Organic Gardening: Environmentally Responsible Methods
by Viveka Neveln

Think how many gardens there are all over the world, or even just how many there are in the United States alone. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that an area roughly the size of California is maintained privately by homeowners. That's a lot of gardens in need of care. Each individual gardener may feel that the practices and methods he or she may choose have negligible effects on the environment but sheer numbers make these methods a global concern, having an impact the world over. If each of us stopped to consider our actions with this in mind and regarded our gardens as part of a whole environment, some of the potential damage could be averted.

The Dirt on Soil

As most gardeners know, soil is important to the health and productivity of plants. Many soil amendments are available for changing nutrient content, pH and other soil properties. Many people attempt to improve their soil by applying various commercial fertilizers. Not only is this costly, but when these fertilizers are used excessively (especially inorganic ones), they can damage plants and contaminate groundwater or nearby bodies of water.
 

A low-cost soil test can help to avoid these problems. Combined with careful soil practices such as using organic fertilizers and composted materials, a soil test can be helpful in maintaining and conserving high quality garden soil.

*Soil Test Kit  Gardener's Supply

Water with Care

Healthy, loamy soil is generally associated with good water-retention, but sometimes rainfall in a particular area may not meet the demands of a large, thirsty garden. Though few people may realize it, one of the Earth's most precious resources is water so it is important to use it wisely.

 There are a few tricks to reducing your garden's water needs which can benefit your pocketbook as well as the planet. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon conserves water by reducing evaporation which is higher at other times of the day. Heavy mulching and deep waterings help plants use available water more effectively. Introducing native plants which are already adapted to the expected precipitation of a region and ground-covering plants may also cut down on water needs. Consider installing drip irrigation and saving rainwater in barrels for later use.

* Oak Rain Barrel Gardeners Supply

 

Put the Spray Away

Many people use toxic chemicals in an attempt to control garden pests such as aphids and powdery mildew. Applications of pesticides take their toll on the environment, often polluting habitats of everything from aquatic creatures to birds. These products should be used with caution, or alternatives should be sought. For example, instead of taking the time and money to buy a weed killer at the store, why not get a little exercise and satisfaction by hand-pulling them. A little sweat and hearing those pesky roots snap are good for the soul. In the vegetable garden, try a little companion planting such as using borage to repel tomato hornworms and attract bees. Crop rotation and using plants with disease resistance are helpful for naturally avoiding diseases. Soapy water is great for getting rid of unwanted insects. Also, when you're not killing off natural predators with pesticides, they will help control the bad bugs.

You can bring beauty and diversity to your backyard by employing these conservation methods. The main objective is to responsibly use the earth's resources.  It is a commitment to treating our microcosmic gardens in a manner that would benefit the whole world. In this way, gardeners can contribute to the Earth's future and protect these resources for generations to come.

-Viveka Neveln

Viveka Neveln has a degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University and a degree in Plant Pathology from Cornell University. She has worked with the Iowa State extension service, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, a landscaping company, and a garden center. Her writing has been published by various magazines, newspapers, and Web sites.