© No HutanWhat do I mean by "green in the garden"? For me, it's gardening in the greenest, most sustainable and most economical way possible. I have found that being green and sustainable automatically produces good financial results.
Being green goes beyond banning the use of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other "cides." This means things like recycling garden waste through compost, watering deep and infrequently, cutting tall grass only when necessary, mulching, choosing the right plants for your landscape, and other practices I've written several times over the years.
Look for ways to reduce the use of precious natural resources like water. Look for ways to reduce the need for compost. Find ways to reduce the use of air polluting machines. These are just a few things to think about as you work to go green.
Durability is a little more difficult to achieve. When I think of sustainable development, I mean the use of resources and methods that do not harm the ability of future generations to have or use the same things. I won't be very precise in addressing this issue due to its complexity. I just try to use best practices that encourage my gardens to continue year after year with minimal intervention and minimal use of limited resources.
A basic horticultural practice that solves all of these problems and is the single most important thing a gardener can do is build soil, or rather, the soil food web. Good, healthy soil supplies most of the nutrients and other plant needs, resulting in healthy plants.
Strong, healthy plants resist disease, insects and other pests. This reduces or eliminates the need for "cides" and fast food in the form of synthetic fertilizers. Healthy soil also reduces the need for more water because it holds water better and healthy plants use it better.
The healthier the soil, the lower the costs (water, fertilizers, pesticides, labour) required to maintain lawns and gardens. It only produces better economic results because less money is spent.
While my gardening is entirely ornamental, interest in home horticulture has resurfaced in recent years. This took place in the traditional way, i.e. in the garden, and in the combination of edible plants with ornamental plants, known as the "edible garden".
Many people learn more about gardening because they want to know where their food comes from and how it has been treated to produce healthier, tastier food. In the process, they learn that gardening is not only a healthy activity, but also a rewarding journey.
Why not commit to starting greener gardening in 2023? It is not difficult. It's simpler, easier and cheaper in the long run. It's just a mindset that requires a different mindset. You will find many rewards in the process, benefiting yourself and the environment. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
This article originally appeared in the Amarillo Globe-News column: Garden Guy: Go green in the garden
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