As summer approaches, there’s no better time to get going on your gardening. However, when working in the yard, don’t forget about the impact your personal garden can have on the environment. The average lawn uses six times the hazardous chemicals per acre as conventional farming. Per hour of operation, a gas mower emits 10 times as much hydrocarbon as a car. So what can you do to make your lawn and garden more eco-friendly? Read on for tips on greener gardening.
Plants that are native to your area
Find out what vegetables and greens are native in your area. “Native plants are adaptive to the climate and temperature extremes. … They won’t need a lot of extra water because they’ll be adapted to the natural water supply in that area.
Create black gold
Composting is simple, fun and strangely satisfying. Compost is a great eco-friendly way to add microorganisms and lots of nutrients to your lawn and garden.
Push the mower
Reap what you mow. Using a gas-powered lawn mower for an hour can produce nearly the same amount of pollution as driving a car 100 miles. Battery-powered motors aren’t better: Manufacturing the batteries causes significant lead emissions. When you cut grass, get a workout with a manual mower, and leave the clippings—free fertilizer!—on the lawn.
Grasscycling
Let the grass grow longer before you cut it and start grasscycling – the practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. The clippings will dehydrate then decompose on your lawn, returning nutrients to the soil nature’s recycling method.
Pest control: Stop bugging Out
One big source of harm to the environment is through the overuse or misuse of pesticides and herbicides. Instead of reaching for the chemicals, there are often a number of more environmentally friendly options to take care of pests and weeds.
Don’t go with the flow
Up to 75 percent of household water use during growing season is outdoors, and runoff carrying pesticides and other toxins pollutes lakes, rivers, and oceans. Perennials need less water than annuals, and older trees and shrubs need even less. Water in the early morning to avoid evaporation during the day and mold growth at night, and use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
Catch the Rain
Spring into action on your gardening chores by installing a rain barrel. Rain barrels are an excellent way to reduce runoff, keep storm water out of the municipal sewage system and save water.
Keep these simple eco-friendly gardening tips in mind and get growing!
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mcyrenne says:
5 May 2010 at 11 h 23 minGood idea ! Great tips