Gardening is one of the top hobbies in North America. Enthusiasts are decorating their yards as they would their bathrooms and kitchens. Many back yard gardeners are experimenting growing unique and fresh tasty vegetables and fruit. The industry is growing as consumers are choosing to stay home and invest in their homes, their gardens, and their personal sanctuaries. For some it is about creating a feeling, for others it’s a way to explore and expand their creativity, and for some it is simply a way of life.

Whatever the reason gardening is a healthy hobby and a wonderful way to spend time with the family. As the hobby grows it is important to recognize the ways that we can all reduce the environmental impact of gardening, yes it does sound strange but with out awareness gardening can be tough on the environment we are trying so hard to improve. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind and implement into your gardening practices. Just as we have been taught to recycle, drive less, and to reuse bags we can also include few simple methods in the garden that will reduce our carbon footprint in the garden.

Sheena's Best Tips for Going Green!

1. Toss out chemical fertilizers. Why feed with synthetic fertilizers loaded with salts and nitrates that damage garden soil when there are so many natural and organic fertilizers available? Organic fertilizers will not only feed your plant but also benefit soil bacteria and micro organisms. Look for bottles which are refillable, such as Sheenas Best 4*2*3, that way there is no bottle to toss out and it offers savings.

2. Refuse to use chemical insecticides. Generally chemical pesticides are not pest specific and kill all insects in the area applied. Insects are important to the garden and many are beneficial. Using a chemical insecticide is like setting off a small bomb in the garden, leaving all insects dead and chemical residue behind. Choose beneficial insect applications such as ladybugs, nematodes, and hypoaspis instead.

3. Compost. Build a bin and create your own soil. Compost contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that our gardens crave. Plus by composting you will be reducing the waste you send to the landfill. Purchase red wrigglers to get you started.

4. Support organic product lines. There are many organic seed, soil, and vegetable starter companies on the island. By choosing organics you are not only bringing in chemical free items to your garden but you are making a statement that you support organic gardening.

5. Use fibre pots. They break down and compost to the garden, a great alternative to plastic pots.

6. Use water saving devices in the garden, such as microperf basket liners, polymer gel, and water timers. Mulching your beds will also help reduce the water used.

7. Grow your own food. Food travels a tremendous distance before it reaches store shelves. Growing your own and supporting local growers at the farmers market is a great way to reduce the impact that traveling food has on our environment.

8. Plant shrubs for the winter birds, bees, beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Attracting, hosting and feeding all of these is a great way to increase natural pest protection and pollination.

9. Plant trees and shrub for shade. They will naturally cool your area and home, and if you choose deciduous shrubbery you will still allow winter light and warmth in.

10. Leave your grass clippings on the lawn. They can provide a tremendous amount of natural fertilizer to your lawn, increasing the green color!

11. Recycle plastic pots and trays at the plastic site. If you cannot reuse or return, please recycle.

Apply these techniques to your garden and you will be helping the environment by reducing chemicals, reducing waste and water, and by helping the naturally beneficial in our world; the birds, bees, and beneficial bacteria and insects will thank you!