If you want to make your garden more sustainable, but don’t know where to begin, here are some simple, sustainable techniques to start implementing. The local ecosystem will enjoy your efforts and hopefully, you will have fun trying these ideas!
Water Catchment System:
A water catchment is a great way to recycle water. There are many ways to do this, such as by simply placing a bucket or similar item outside to be filled up when it rains. Then use the captured water to water your crops. Another way to implement water catchment is to place a bucket in the sink or shower in order to save the water that comes out before heating up!
Plant Native Perennials
Planting perennials in the garden is a great way to maintain soil coverage and structure. It is a key component in permaculture, which aims to mimic nature (see image below). Go one step further and plant native perennials! Native plants are highly beneficial to have in the garden. They are vital for native pollinator populations and are also better suited for the local environment. What’s not to love? (For further information on permaculture and the image used below, visit this link: Permaculture
Make Your Own Compost
Recycle garden and kitchen scraps by composting them. This makes a nutrient rich material that is crucial for plant health. By making your own compost, fewer nutrients go to waste and are instead cycled back into the garden!
Plant Crops Closer Together
This one is simple. When sowing seeds or placing plant starts in the soil, place them a bit closer than you might have in the past. This allows the soil to maintain more coverage and thus soil moisture. It also allows you to fit more crops in the garden.
Water in the Evening
Watering the garden in the evening (about an hour or two before sunset) reduces the amount of evaporation that occurs, meaning that more water is absorbed into the soil and plants. This reduces water usage and gives the plants more time to absorb the water overnight.
Water to Mimic Rainfall
When watering the garden with a hose, try to hold it in a way that the water falls like rain. Angling the hose so that the water falls from higher up and more gently reduces soil compaction and can improve absorption.
Companion Planting
Planting crops that help each other grow, such as by attracting pollinators or controlling pests, can increase the success of those plants. For further information on companion planting, check out the book Tomatoes Love Carrots by Louise Riotte. Or, visit this page on the Almanac website: Companion Planting Guide
These are just some of the many ways to make a garden more sustainable and aligned with nature. This not only supports the environment but can improve crop yields and soil health!
As you continue on your container gardening journey, I encourage you to explore the Sustainable Agriculture section on yardener.com for more free gardening information. You can also send questions about Sustainable Gardening here. Our website is a valuable resource that offers expert advice, tips, and tricks to help you achieve the garden of your dreams.
Elsa Davis is well-versed in sustainable agriculture and is passionate about sharing sustainable planting and growing techniques with other gardeners. Use the Yardener website to ask Elsa questions relating to gardening and/or sustainability!
