3 Simple Swaps for More Sustainable Gardening at Home

In our gardens lie an opportunity to nurture not just plants, but also the planet. Sustainable gardening offers a pathway to minimizing our environmental footprint. Read on to learn about simple things you can do, like saving water and using natural materials, to make your garden not only beautiful but also good for the planet.

Small Steps to Sustainable Gardening

When you think of sustainable gardening, you might envision a lush, green garden requiring much work and maintenance. This doesn’t have to be the case, especially for homeowners. There are many simple ways to create a beautiful, sustainable garden that doesn’t require much time, money, or labor.

Below are a few simple swaps you can make to create a sustainable garden, with some excellent ideas of how to do it.

1. Water Conservation

Water conservation is a hot topic today. With many communities experiencing droughts and water restrictions, it is important to know where to save water and how to use it properly in your garden.

Mulch Your Beds

Mulching beds and plants can help reduce evaporation, leading to less frequent watering. It can also help soil retain moisture, leading to healthier plants and a more resilient garden.

Choose Plants Adapted For a Dryer Environment

When making plant choices for your garden, consider using plants that have good drought tolerance. Read this list of drought-tolerant plants for some ideas.

Reducing Lawn Size

Large lawns and extensive hardscapes require significant resources and contribute to habitat loss. Reducing the size of lawns and incorporating sustainable hardscapes conserves resources and supports local ecosystems.

To get started, we recommend you:

Evaluate your lawn and hardscape areas to identify spaces suitable for conversion to alternative landscapes and permeable surfaces.
Prepare the soil, select appropriate plants for alternative landscapes, and choose eco-friendly hardscape materials.
Establish new landscapes and hardscapes with proper care and maintenance, ensuring that they are resilient and sustainable over time.

Rainwater Harvesting

Harvesting rainwater is a simple and sustainable way to collect and store rainwater for later use in your garden. Instead of letting rainwater runoff into storm drains, which can contribute to erosion and pollution, rainwater harvesting allows you to capture this valuable resource and put it to good use.

Implementing rainwater harvesting in your garden involves the following steps:

Assess Your Roof: Determine the surface area of your roof that can be used to collect rainwater. Based on rainfall patterns and roof size, calculate the amount of water you can harvest.
Install Gutters and Downspouts: Install gutters along the edge of your roof to collect rainwater and direct it towards downspouts. Ensure they are securely attached and direct water towards a suitable collection point.
Choose Collection Methods: Decide on the rainwater collection system that best suits your needs. Options include rain barrels, cisterns, or underground tanks. Consider available space, budget, and desired water storage capacity.
Install Collection Containers: Position your chosen rainwater collection containers beneath downspouts to capture rainwater as it flows from the roof. Ensure containers are stable and properly sealed to prevent contamination and mosquito breeding.
Filter and Purify: Install filters or screens to remove debris and sediment from collected rainwater.
Use and Maintain: Harvested rainwater can water your garden, wash outdoor surfaces, or be used for other non-potable purposes. Regularly inspect and maintain your rainwater harvesting system to ensure proper functioning and prevent potential issues.

Harvesting rainwater offers numerous benefits for both your garden and the environment. By capturing rainwater and using it to irrigate your plants, you can reduce reliance on municipal water sources, conserve water resources, and lower your utility bills.

2. Use of Natural Products

Natural products can be used in the garden to create a habitat for beneficial insects, optimal soil conditions, and a natural look. Not sure where to start? Try these tips:

Composting

Composting involves decomposing organic matter into nutrient-rich compost, benefiting soil health and waste reduction. Getting started with composting is as simple as:

Layering organic materials in a compost bin or pile.
Mixing of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.
Turning the compost regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.

With time, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost to enrich your garden soil. Composting offers several benefits, including improved soil structure, increased water retention, and reduced need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, it diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural Pest Control

Natural pest control methods utilize beneficial insects and homemade sprays to manage garden pests without chemicals. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Attract beneficial insects by planting diverse, pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs.
Implement companion planting strategies to deter pests and boost plant health naturally.

Natural pest control reduces harm to beneficial insects and wildlife while effectively managing pest populations. It also minimizes chemical exposure for gardeners and promotes safer, healthier plants.

3. Plant Selection and Garden Design

One simple swap that can greatly impact sustainability is making the most of what you already have. Considering that, you’ll want to consider plant selection and garden design.

Native Planting

Native plants naturally occur and have adapted to local conditions, requiring less maintenance than non-native species. To create a low-maintenance garden, choose native plants that thrive in your region and are well-suited to local weather and soil conditions.

Native plants conserve water, reduce chemical inputs, and provide habitat for local wildlife. They enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, contributing to overall ecosystem health.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable Pavers allow water to pass through in-between the pavers, reducing runoff and letting the water soak back into your soil. Anytime runoff (which can wash erosion and chemicals into lakes, rivers, and streams) is prevented, it contributes to a healthier environment. Many municipalities, especially in lakeshore communities, are requiring permeable pavers and limited hardscapes to help keep our lakes clean.

Bioswales & Rain Gardens

Designing a simple bioswale or rain garden to catch runoff or enhance an area with a drainage issue is also a benefit to the environment. Although they do require maintenance, like any landscape bed, the benefits of a rain garden can outweigh the work.

These systems allow water to accumulate in areas, filter down through the roots of native plants, and back into your yard. They can be quite attractive. In addition to conserving water, they are great places for beneficial birds and insects to visit.

Embracing Sustainable Gardening with American Landscape

As we strive to create more sustainable gardens, remember that every small change can make a big difference. By incorporating practices like drip irrigation, composting, and native plant selection, we not only enhance the beauty of our outdoor spaces but also contribute to the health of our environment.

Let’s continue this journey towards sustainability. American Landscape stands ready to assist those seeking expert guidance and support. Whether it’s designing eco-friendly landscapes or providing sustainable gardening solutions, our team at American Landscape is here to help you cultivate greener, more sustainable gardens.

Contact us today to get started!