8 Tips to Green Your Garden
You've probably noticed that being "green" is more than just a popular phrase; it's a movement sweeping the nation. So, why not have a green garden? Here are some proactive gardening steps you can take to protect the planet - and many double as cost-savers, too.
1. Use natural pest control. Regulate pests the earth-friendly way by using only products that minimize harm to beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. Use traps and lures to identify and control the pests, then barriers and repellents to keep away undesirables while encouraging the beneficial bugs.
2. Grow pollinator-attracting plants. Planting at least 10 such varieties has been found to entice bees and butterflies to your garden.
3. Mulch your garden. It will enrich your soil resulting in healthier, more vigorous plants and mulch discourages weeds.
4. Garden with water-wise plants. Succulents such as sedum and many native plants require minimum amounts of water. Margie Hunter's book, Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee offers further insight on indigenous horticulture.
5. Be water smart. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation are water efficient, using only 50 percent of what a sprinkler would use. Water early in the day so you can avoid evaporation and winds. Also, the best place to water plants is directly on thirsty roots.
6. Harvest rainwater. Capturing and recycling rain not only cuts your water bill, but it also improves water quality. Using rain barrels or creating a "rain garden" are both wonderful ways to collect and maximize natural rainfall.
7. Compost and recycle. Make your own compost by collecting leaves, twigs, weeds (without seeds), spent annuals and kitchen waste. It improves soil quality while providing nutrients for plants.
8. Be sensible about lawn care. Mow your lawn at the highest setting on your mower. Tall lawns also have fewer weeds because the seeds can't compete with the grass for light and water.
