Create an Eco Garden

You can contribute to the environmental effort by creating an eco-garden that will provide you with much-needed fruits and vegetables that will nourish your body and save you money as well.

The first step is to set aside enough space to set up your garden. You will need to decide if the garden is going inside or outside your home. An indoor garden however will require extra attention and may need special equipment if you plan on going with hydroponics. An outdoor garden needs space, soil and compost for nutrients. While an outdoor garden is a bit messier and requires good weather, it does not take up any space inside your home.

Compost Heap

Compost is food waste and other organic materials that will provide the nutrients for your plants. Compost materials may consist of shredded paper, dead leaves, leftovers from meals, lawn clippings and so forth. A compost bin or can will allow the materials to decompose while generating its own heat as well. You can even add bone or blood meal to the compost to help boost the nutrient levels in the soil as well.

 

Drip Lines & Rain Barrels

You will use less water with drip lines and they will go right to the roots of plants as well. In addition, you can set up rain barrels to capture the water necessary for your garden as this will reduce even further your utility bills in taking care of your garden.

Use Plants Native to the Area

Basically, plants that are native to your region are the best for your garden as they are used to the environment. Such plants can go with less fertilizer, water and effort in making them grow.

Use Natural Protection

To help prevent plant disease, use natural products such as milk, potassium bicarbonate, cooking oil and even baking soda as they will help keep plants healthy while preventing certain diseases from forming. Plus, to keep out the pests you can go with ladybugs and other predator insects that prey on the bugs which otherwise would feast in your garden.

Use Hand Tools

The old fashioned gardening tools are often the best in weeding your garden. However, you can use electric versions of some tools such as weed eaters, leaf blowers and tillers for additional work.

Weed Judiciously

You need not be a neat freak, but for every weed that gets into your garden that is one more plant that is taking away water and nutrients that otherwise would go to your plants. You might use composting materials or simply select a day or two each week to inspect your garden and root out the weeds before they can take hold.

Plant Trees

Trees near your garden create shade and protection for many of the creatures that live in your neighbourhood. Plus, they provide a healthy atmosphere as well thanks to their oxygen-generating capabilities.

An eco-friendly garden is one that will provide you with the food for the table while making good use out of your land as well.