A Challenging Start to the Year
This year has been a particularly hard year for me. I know that it’s a little early to say that because it’s only March. But I started the year going in for C3/C4 spinal surgery. I didn’t have downtime afterward, and the recovery has been particularly difficult. I’ll be starting physical therapy soon, and I was told I’ll need lumbar spine surgery later in the year.
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Finding Solace in the Garden
I feel like I have been waiting for spring for an eternity because gardening really lifts my spirits, but at the same time, I’m way behind in my garden prep. I don’t have the seedlings I hoped to have, but I did my best with limited mobility. My husband and friend/neighbor, Di, have been insanely amazing partners in the gardening endeavor. I’m forever grateful. I know they are grateful for the homegrown produce.
We had a wonderful Fall Garden that produced endless winter romaine, spinach, arugula, and a variety of herbs. As we transitioned the gardens, we harvested some nice broccoli, and we can see that our garlic is developing well.
Sustainable Solutions & My Eco-Friendly Garden
For anyone who has been following this very slow journey, you may know that we are trying to do everything sustainably. We harvest rainwater, and this year, we put solar in the greenhouse. I put a pump in the rain barrel and attached the pump to a drip system my husband built. My husband helped me choose my solar battery and panels. I was skeptical, but they have been wonderful; they run the drip system daily and grow lights inside the greenhouse. I’m also hoping to fans to the greenhouse because it gets pretty warm there. It was 109 degrees in there this weekend when the doors were shut! It’s March in North Carolina! That’s hot!
This weekend’s project was stacking two of our Vego garden beds (not Vego recommended). Then, I ordered a 32” tall bed to replace one of our 17” beds. Did I mention a second back surgery this year? I am having a hard time crouching next to my garden beds. I did a lot of light lifting this weekend. My husband and Di did a lot of grunt work.
We live on almost two forested acres, and they create a lot of yard waste. North Carolina is on Fire Storm warnings. Yes, Fire Storm. I didn’t even know that was a thing. So, burning is out. Do you know what you can do with a lot of yard waste? Fill the bottom of 32” tall Vego Garden beds! You’re welcome, no burn days!
Did you know that yard waste makes up a significant portion of landfill waste? Thankfully, eco-friendly gardening offers a way to reduce our environmental footprint while creating beautiful and productive gardens. Eco-friendly gardening is about working in harmony with nature, minimizing waste, and promoting biodiversity. Today, we’re diving into the top 5 essential tools and practices that can help you create a sustainable garden.
Essential 1: Composters (Turning Waste into Wealth)
Composting dramatically reduces landfill waste and transforms it into a rich, nutrient-packed soil amendment that will have your garden thriving. Whether you opt for the quick and efficient tumbling composter, the classic bin, or the fascinating world of vermicomposting with worms, there’s a composting method for every lifestyle. My household uses a little indoor compost bucket under our sink for daily collection. Then, we have our Vita Garden’s keyholes for my outdoor breakdown. I have been curious about these indoor composters. I am also considering a larger outdoor bin as my garden grows. For composting success, remember the golden ratio of greens to browns, keep it moist but not soggy, and turn your pile regularly to aerate. You’ll be amazed at the ‘black gold’ you can create!
Essential 2: Sustainable Gardening Tools/Planters
For me, you know, I have opted for my original Vita Garden because it is closed in, and I thought it would be my only garden. Then, I went for Vego because they are long-lasting and easy to add to. But there are so many options, from hand tools that last a lifetime to upcycled planters; there are many ways to make your tool shed and planting areas more environmentally friendly. Also, try to opt for tools made from recycled steel or sustainably harvested wood. Consider using upcycled containers like old buckets, or tires as planters. Also, consider hand-powered tools, such as push mowers, over gas-powered tools.
Essential 3: Rain Barrels/Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource, and conserving it in the garden is crucial. Rain barrels offer a simple and effective way to capture rainwater for later use. Collecting rainwater can reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies and save money on your water bill. Beyond rain barrels, consider mulching to retain soil moisture and drip irrigation for efficient watering. Before my husband set up my drip irrigation, I was watering with a watering can using the spigot on my rain barrel to refill. I like a nice, large watering can.
Essential 4: Organic Fertilizers/Soil Amendments
Chemical fertilizers can harm soil health and pollute waterways. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, nourish the soil and promote healthy plant growth. Consider feeding your plants with compost tea, worm castings, or well-rotted manure. Natural soil amendments like cover crops and green manure can also improve soil structure and fertility. I keep a little compost bucket under my sink, and my husband or I empty it into the keyholes in our Vita Garden every weekend. At the end of Fall, my husband consolidates our compost into keyholes, adds some organic compost starter, and covers it with some Fall leaves. By Spring, our compost is ready to spread. We start Spring with at least three empty keyholes. One is almost always full of Winter scraps.
Essential 5: Natural Pest Control (Working with Nature, Not Against It)
Learning natural pest control is crucial for a healthier garden and environment. Chemical pesticides, while seemingly effective, pose significant risks to beneficial insects, pollinators, and even ourselves, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. Instead, explore nature’s own solutions. Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, disrupts insect growth and feeding. Insecticidal soap targets soft-bodied pests without harming beneficials. Consider adding birdhouses and a bird bath to attract birds to your garden. They will naturally eat pests. Consider insect netting for your fruit and vegetable garden during delicate parts of the growing process.
Embracing eco-friendly gardening practices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating these 5 essentials: composters, sustainable planters and tools, rain barrels, organic fertilizers, and natural pest control, you can create a thriving garden that’s good for both you and the planet. Let’s work together to cultivate a greener future, one garden at a time. What are your favorite eco-friendly gardening tips? Share them in the comments below!
