This post has been contributed by Diana Smith.
In this era of GMO and junk food, a garden is probably the most valuable thing there is. Here, you can grow your own 100% organic fruit and vegetables or simply make your backyard beautiful without endangering the soil. However, leading a truly “green” garden is far from easy and there are so many things you need to look out for. Luckily, where there is will there is always a way and these few simple steps will make this process of creating an eco-friendly garden much simpler and more accessible.
In this era of GMO and junk food, a garden is probably the most valuable thing there is. Here, you can grow your own 100% organic fruit and vegetables or simply make your backyard beautiful without endangering the soil. However, leading a truly “green” garden is far from easy and there are so many things you need to look out for. Luckily, where there is will there is always a way and these few simple steps will make this process of creating an eco-friendly garden much simpler and more accessible.
Making a good compost
First of all, remember that you won’t use that much pesticides (organic garden operates on absolute minimum) which will put you on a somewhat of a disadvantage, when it comes to grow rate. Now, in order to make up for this, it would be wise to start making a good compost even before you start planting. The most obvious choice for a compost are unused nutrients like food leftovers (meat and dairy excluded), grinded coffee beans or even vegetables. This compost can also consist of anything else that can decompose like paper, leaves or even eggshells. As they decompose, they will supply the soil with much needed supplements and make your garden grow strong.
First of all, remember that you won’t use that much pesticides (organic garden operates on absolute minimum) which will put you on a somewhat of a disadvantage, when it comes to grow rate. Now, in order to make up for this, it would be wise to start making a good compost even before you start planting. The most obvious choice for a compost are unused nutrients like food leftovers (meat and dairy excluded), grinded coffee beans or even vegetables. This compost can also consist of anything else that can decompose like paper, leaves or even eggshells. As they decompose, they will supply the soil with much needed supplements and make your garden grow strong.
Rock garden
Next thing your garden will need in order to thrive and prosper is enough water. Now, here you have two choices depending on the type of your garden. If you are going for something purely aesthetical, you can just go with rock garden instead of lawn. Needless to say, rock garden doesn’t consume water which makes it ideal for your purposes. Another plus is that you will have a lot of different designs and layouts to choose from.
Next thing your garden will need in order to thrive and prosper is enough water. Now, here you have two choices depending on the type of your garden. If you are going for something purely aesthetical, you can just go with rock garden instead of lawn. Needless to say, rock garden doesn’t consume water which makes it ideal for your purposes. Another plus is that you will have a lot of different designs and layouts to choose from.
Irrigation system
However, if you want to grow your own food in the garden, you will need an irrigation system. You can easily make a simple one on your own, by getting a hose, drilling small holes in it and turning water on the lowest so that it would just drip. However, for those believing that this is a waste of water there is always another option. You can just find a way to harvest rainwater and then use these reservoirs to supply your irrigation system with. A clear and undeniable win-win scenario if there ever was one.
However, if you want to grow your own food in the garden, you will need an irrigation system. You can easily make a simple one on your own, by getting a hose, drilling small holes in it and turning water on the lowest so that it would just drip. However, for those believing that this is a waste of water there is always another option. You can just find a way to harvest rainwater and then use these reservoirs to supply your irrigation system with. A clear and undeniable win-win scenario if there ever was one.
Play the strategist
The best way to approach this notion of garden planning is to observe your backyard like a true battlefield. Just think about it this way, there are some plants that naturally work well together, and some that are natural enemies. The key to a healthy garden is knowing these things and in this way allowing your garden to become a self-sufficient eco-system. Furthermore, this requires a minimal amount of research and helps you out immensely later on.
The best way to approach this notion of garden planning is to observe your backyard like a true battlefield. Just think about it this way, there are some plants that naturally work well together, and some that are natural enemies. The key to a healthy garden is knowing these things and in this way allowing your garden to become a self-sufficient eco-system. Furthermore, this requires a minimal amount of research and helps you out immensely later on.
Upkeep is the key
Last, but perhaps the most important, in the recent conversation with experts behind Maintainme, it came to our attention that having a garden is a 24/7 job every day of the year. It’s not just about planting some random things in your garden, ignoring them for several months and then you just go out one day and see a nice exterior. Trees in your garden need to be pruned, lawn mown, plants watered and soil fertilized. Because of this, gardening is not for those without time on their hands and most definitely not for those without patience.
Upkeep is the key
Last, but perhaps the most important, in the recent conversation with experts behind Maintainme, it came to our attention that having a garden is a 24/7 job every day of the year. It’s not just about planting some random things in your garden, ignoring them for several months and then you just go out one day and see a nice exterior. Trees in your garden need to be pruned, lawn mown, plants watered and soil fertilized. Because of this, gardening is not for those without time on their hands and most definitely not for those without patience.
As you can see, where there is a will, there is always a way. Keeping your garden completely eco-friendly may be the higher road and perhaps it is easier to just use artificial fertilizers and pesticides to solve all of your problems. However, you can never put a price tag on your health. Going organic with your garden is taking the high road and in the end, it always pays out.
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