Living green, green energy, a green environment. We can pick up any magazine, watch any television show and learn about living green. Have we reverted back to the early 70s? No not really. But we want to make good use of what we have while preserving our environment for our children and grandchildren.
How can you incorporate green gardening into your existing garden and reclaim a connection with the natural world. Green gardening means letting your landscape’s microclimate determine how you manage your garden. A microclimate is the amount of sun, shade, wind, snow, moisture, and dryness surrounding your home. This will determine the plants you choose, your garden layout, how you manage pests, how you fertilize plants, and how you water plants. These tips will help whether you flower or vegetable garden.
Selecting the right plant for the right location can help you reduce the need for water, fertilize, pesticides and labor. Plants place in an environment suitable for their needs will thrive with very little upkeep.
Contact our office for soil test information (573-4464).
Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in your garden. Some insects are actually beneficial to your garden. Heavy usage of certain pesticides can get rid of all insects, good and bad. Realize that you may want and need some insects in your gardening, such as bees and butterflies that pollinate your garden.
You need water for your plants to grow. Minimizing the use of water is important for green gardening. Use mulch to hold moisture in your soil for longer periods of time. Mulch can help reduce the use of fertilizers as it provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Mulch will cut down on weeds and beautify your garden.
Create your own compost from grass clippings, food waste (vegetable and fruit; no meat), tea and coffee grounds, egg shells and old newspapers that are non-glossy. This will enrich your soil and reduce the amount of waste. By using compost you can reduce or eliminate the amount of fertilizer you purchase and thereby save money. You can create a compost pile in a seldom used corner of your yard.
Have a plant exchange. Many individuals may have perennials that need to be divided or have plants that have produced seeds. Seeds are cheaper than nursery grown plants. Be willing to share your bounty with others.
Incorporate the 3 R’s. Reduce the amount of money you spend by decreasing or eliminating the amount of pesticide, fertilizer, water, plants and seeds you use or purchase. Reuse items that can no longer be used for their original purpose, such as paper towel or toilet paper rolls, egg cartons or old newspaper for seed starter. Reuse plant container that have been thoroughly cleaned. Use pine needles, grass clippings and leaves as mulch. Recycle containers, old wood and other household item.
Items that are ready to be discarded can make conversation starter containers. Old boots, or shoes, buckets, metal tins, wheel barrels, chairs, beds, baskets, barrels, sinks could be excellent containers.
Use gray water from watering plants. Gray water could be from washing dishes, boiling or steaming vegetables or eggs. Just be sure the water has cooled before you place on plants.
These tips will help you to start Gardening Green. Enjoy your time out in the garden.
For more information on gardening, contact our office for our Agriculture Agent, Jeremy Williams,
Harlan County Cooperative Extension Service located at 519 South Main Street in Harlan or call 606-573-4464.
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Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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