Sustainable Gardening Techniques

In keeping with today's need for greener, more environmentally-friendly gardening practices, many people are making use of sustainable gardening techniques. This type of gardening allows nature to do much of the work, as with permaculture. While many of us may already practice some of these gardening methods, it never hurts to encourage others to do the same. I am a firm believer in natural landscaping, so hopefully the following tips will inspire you to create an environmentally-friendly garden of your own. After all, these gardens practically care for themselves, leaving more time for you to relax and enjoy.

Implement raised beds. I love the flexibility of raised beds. They take up little space, are easily accessible, and attractive. In addition, they're easy to construct from nearly anything that can hold soil and require less maintenance than traditional garden plots. The soil in raised beds also drains more easily and promotes healthier plant growth. Furthermore, they can be filled with anything, from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs. Even small ornamental trees can be grown in raised beds.

Forget garden tilling. No-dig gardening involves the layering of organic materials on top of the soil, such as moist newspapers or cardboard covered with compost. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for plants. As would be expected, there's no digging or tilling involved. This sustainable technique can be used in conjunction with raised beds, adding a suitable growing medium for your plants. It can also be used for lawn areas. For instance, no-dig gardening can make the addition of new garden beds easier. There's no need to dig up the grass. Simply build your soil on top. As the organic materials break down, the nutrients will create healthier soil and stronger plants.

Put your waste to work. I cannot preach enough about the importance of compost, and no sustainable garden would thrive without it. A good soil structure is vital for producing healthy plant growth. Rather than throw out your kitchen scraps or dump those grass clipping and leaves elsewhere, put them in the compost pile and allow them to work for you in the garden by supplying essential nutrients to the soil. Compost can be easily worked into existing soil or added to your no-dig garden beds.

Explore native and companion planting concepts. Both native and companion plantings encourage a self-supporting garden environment. Native plants are well adapted to the specific growing conditions of a given area. Those that are drought tolerant also reduce water usage and are better equipped to survive with little maintenance. Companion plantings offer additional benefits, such as deterring unwanted pests and encouraging beneficial insects, reducing the need for harmful chemicals or pest control.

Collect rain, nature's own watering system. Using rain barrels to catch rainwater not only reduces water usage but supplies plants with a more nutritional water supply. Rainwater doesn't contain harmful pollutants or chlorine. It's also free! You can purchase rain barrels or make your own. This is a great way to recycle precious resources too. I have been using my rain barrel for some time now and have found that it not only saves money but gives the garden that extra boost of nutrition. The birds appreciate it as well.