Secrets of Sustainable Gardening

If you live in the typical American suburb, then your home is probably in a residential community, with homes that are set apart from each by a short distance. While our human habitations are neighborhood friendly for us, they have certainly played a different role when it comes to the natural ecosystem that once existed where your home is now. You certainly can't change the yard back to its natural state before you arrived, but you can attempt to create the most diverse ecosystem possible. Use this guide to help you create a natural yard.

Restoring the Soil

Starting at the root of the problem; soil matters most. The grass that is planted in our yards has depleted many natural nutrients found in the local soil. By restoring the soil with essential nutrients, you can start the long process of restoring the natural ecosystem.

Just like a heroin addict, our soils are chemically dependent. The overuse of chemical fertilizers has created a plant dependent on an unsustainable product. In lieu of a chemical fertilizer, consider the use of an organic based fertilizer. Studies have shown that even after a soil has become dependent on petroleum based fertilizers, it can be reinvigorated with the use of compost-based fertilizers. Learn the secrets of composting right here.

Going Native

Once soil conditions have been improved through organic means, removing invasive species and replanting native's plants can be a great way to expand the natural biodiversity of your yard. Native wildlife is often attracted to native vegetation and a natural yard will certainly evidence that with its share of unique wildlife encounters-even in the cities.

But going native doesn't mean you have to burn down the house so you can move the wife and the kids into a teepee in the front yard. Going native is about finding a harmonious balance between your needs and the needs of Mother Nature. Planting a small garden instead of new sod will certainly benefit you as well as the countless other creatures who will soon take up residence in your natural yard. Learn more about native planting at nps.gov

Bio-Diversity

With all of that harmony and balance going on between you, your yard and Mother Nature, you're going to want to keep it that way. By instituting a biodiverse habitat from the get go, you increase habitat for wildlife, create better topsoil and benefit yourself from the many different ways plants help humans. From food to spices to perfumes to medicines to drink-biodiversity in plants is what makes the world go round.

Maintaining the ultimate balance between nature and man is something that can be difficult, but with a little hard work, it can be achieved. A natural yard is a balance between our impact on our environment, our consumption of natural resources and our needs from the yard. Biodiversity, a healthy soil and native flora and fauna is the key to achieving and maintaining a true natural yard.