Most people think of gardening as a “green” activity. And it is, but not if you’re using a chemical cocktail of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides on your landscape. Love Albrecht Howard’s So You Want to Be a Garden Designer points out that these chemicals are intentionally toxic substances and are also not necessary. Here are some of her tips on how to ease off the chemicals in the garden and keep your plants thriving.
1. Stop using chemicals in the landscape. Period.
2. Learn sustainable or organic techniques by reading and taking courses. Google “organic gardening” plus “courses” plus your state’s name. Understand how to transform a chemical-dependent landscape to a healthy, sustainable landscape. Find where to purchase and how to use certified organic fertilizers and control products.
3. Work with your local conservation commission. They are generally very reasonable people trying to do the right thing for your community and for the earth.
4. Healthy soil is the basis for all life. Prepare planting beds and lawn areas appropriately.
5. Plants want to grow. Learn your horticulture, match plants to the cultural conditions they prefer, give them a healthy soil environment, and then get out of their way.
6. Use compost to top-dress and even to mulch.
7. Use water wisely. Design landscapes that will need virtually no supplemental water after two or three years.
8. Protect neighboring wetlands during landscape construction. Whether or not local ordinances require it, you are a steward of the environment and should install a temporary silt fence and hay bales to catch any erosion that may run into a storm drain or foul a nearby wetland.
9. Dispose of all refuse and detritus properly. Recycle everything you possibly can.
10. Walk the walk. Practice sustainable gardening in your own gardens.
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