One of the reasons many of us garden is for sustainability. A sustainable garden helps you be more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. It’s a no brainer! But your garden can’t be completely sustainable if you’re relying on outside sources for a lot of your needs. Here are a few ways you can make your garden more sustainable.
1. Lose the Lawn
Well, at least some of it. Maintaining a green and weed-free lawn requires a lot of water and other resources. If you take some of that grass out and make it more of a xeriscape with drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, ground covers, and shrubs, you’ll add interest to your landscape and cut down on that costly and water-hogging maintenance.
2. Mulch
Mulch can help your soil retain precious moisture and keep soil temperatures more constant. It’s also a great help in weed prevention. Add 2 or 3 inches of mulch to your garden beds and planting areas, and you’ll see what we mean. You can use sustainable mulch like pine needles, grass clippings, or shredded bark.
3. Native Plants
Native plants take less work from you because they are well-suited to growing in your area without human intervention such as irrigation. Native vegetation requires less water and fewer soil amendments, so you save time, and resources.
4. Reduce Chemicals
Anytime you can reduce chemicals in your gardening, you’ll be helping the environment. Start by building good soil with organic compost, pull weeds instead of spraying, and treat insect or disease problems organically.
5. Use a Drip Line
Sprinklers can water your garden for you, but they tend to be wasteful with overspray and evaporation. Try installing a drip system instead, which waters more slowly — allowing better absorption and less evaporation. A drip line is also the most direct way to get the water where its needed, and nowhere else.
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