Tips for being eco-friendly on your property

We’ve all heard the saying being eco-friendly what does that mean?

The term “eco-“ in the phrase “eco-friendly garden” refers to “ecology”—the interactions between organisms and their environment. Such a garden or landscape is one that is designed with nature and the environment in mind. You may also know the practice as “environmentally friendly” or “sustainable gardening.”

1. Choose the proper plants.

The eco-friendly rule of thumb is to go native! Plants that already fit your climate will thrive with less care and stress. They’ll support the health of your entire yard, too, attracting pollinators and beneficial bugs. Non-native, invasive plants often wipe out native species which harms the entire ecosystem.

In general, group plants that have similar needs: Put shade lovers together, heavy drinkers together, pH partners together, and sandy vs. loamy soil seekers together. Match plants and conditions and think of your property as having different zones. The results will save you time, effort, and replacement expense.

For example, lavender enjoys dry, sandy soil and full sun; avoid planting lavender next to elephant’s ear which loves moist soil and shade!

2.  Welcome pollinators and friendly bugs that eat pests

Pollinators—from bees to butterflies—are vital to our flowers and food. In fact, about one-third of every bite of food comes from pollinators!

• Having native plants and reducing pesticides are two big ways to encourage pollinators in the garden.
• Bees are the most important pollinators in most ecosystems. Are you familiar with native bees? They are small, solitary bees such as Mason bees which are responsible for most pollination. (Honeybees are not native.) Native bees support sustainable native plant and pollinator communities.

Other insects—wasps, flies, ladybugs, and beetles—are beneficial to plants for pest elimination. For example, lacewings and ladybugs eat aphids which destroy crops.

Note: You don’t need (or want) to “buy” native bees or these “good” bugs. It’s better that they are local.  By providing native plants and the right habitat, they will come to you!

A garden with diversified sources of nectar (e.g., shrubs, trees, and flowers—ideally, natives) that bloom from early spring through late fall can attract insects and ultimately benefit the entire garden. For example, bright flowers such as sunflowers, candytuft, and marigolds create places where ladybugs and lacewings can shelter and lay eggs.

3. Encourage birds.

A healthy ecosystem invites a wide variety of wildlife into it. Many of your feathered friends will snatch up slugs, snails, grubs, caterpillars and other pests that destroy plants.

• Select native plants that attract the kind of insects, berries, and seeds that birds eat.
• Put up bird feeders and nesting boxes (including those you have made) to encourage more to visit.
• Birds also need water. Install or make a birdbath for them! It should be shallow (1 to 1.5 inches deep) and contain a few small stones or pebbles for birds to rest on.

4. Plant companions

With companion planting, certain plants are grown near each other improve each other’s health and yields. Usually, companion plants help ward off pests. For example, dill and basil planted among tomatoes can protect from tomato hornworms.

Also, mix flowers and vegetables together! You don’t have to choose between ornamentals and edibles. Many types of flowers confuse the “bad” pests and help you grow a healthier garden.

5. Give grass a chance.

If you’re going to grow grass, eliminate the chemical pesticides you spread on lawns in favor of alternatives that are healthier—healthier for you, for the lawn, and for the environment.

• I worked at garden center for several years.  I was surprised to learn that people didn’t know you should test your soil first to know what it needs to be healthy.  We are so brain washed into thinking that chemicals are the answer.
• Start by checking your lawn’s pH (acidity) with a test kit available at most nursery and garden supply stores. Soil pH affects the ability of plants to absorb nutrients. Spread limestone to raise the pH level; spread aluminum sulfate to decrease the pH level.
• Grow grass that is suitable for your needs, not just in terms of climate and soil, but also purpose.

Last but not least.

6. Avoid harmful chemicals

All gardens have some pests, but deter them in ways that won’t harm the food you are growing but especially the environment as a whole.

For example, slugs and snails can really chow down on lettuce. However, instead of spraying with chemicals, create barriers such as crushed eggshells which these soft-bodies pests will avoid.

From Diatomaceous Earth to Neem Oil, there are many less toxic methods now that really work. Remember that chemical fertilizers run into rivers, oceans, and wetlands. Pesticides and herbicides tend to kill many more creatures than the one or two bugs, as annoying as they might be.

We hope these eco-friendly ideas help you create a more natural, low-maintenance garden and landscape.  Join our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on everything environmentally friendly

.