Earth Day Tip #2: How to Create a Sustainable

Growing your food can sound overwhelming and close to impossible, but there are so many benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re hoping to add some green to your outdoor space or just want to up your gardening game, the following garden tips will help you make the most of your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or are just looking for essential garden tips for beginners, this guide will provide you with insight into how to create a self-sustaining garden that you’ll love year after year.

What is a Sustainable Garden?

While there isn’t a solid definition, a sustainable garden is different from a normal garden in that it means using methods that minimize your impact on the earth. Instead of using pesticides and weed killers, sustainable gardeners use natural methods to rid their gardens of unwanted pests. Rather than using fertilizers, a sustainable garden will have compost in the soil. The point is to create a garden that has a positive impact on the planet instead of a negative one.

a men working on his own backyard

How to Make a Sustainable Garden?

There is a lot to consider when deciding to start a garden.

The first thing you need to decide is what you want to plant and where you will plant it.
From there, you’ll need to clear the ground, get rid of weeds and grass, and then test your soil.
Once you know what you’re working with, you’ll need to make necessary improvements so that your plants, vegetables, or flowers will grow.
Once the soil is ready, you’re ready to start planting. Make sure to look for recommendations about what plants to plant together and how to space them out.
Water consistently and add mulch to your garden once your plants have sprouted.
Maintain your garden by keeping up with watering it, pulling weeds, and getting rid of any plant waste. You’ll also want to make sure to keep ahead of bug infestations or plagues that can wreak havoc on your garden.

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the backyard of a house

Garden Tips for Beginners

Start Small: One of the best garden tips for beginners is to start small. Don’t try your hand at a large variety of fruits and vegetables or an expansive plot of land. Instead, pick a small area that you can potentially make bigger as you gain experience.
Pick the Right Spot: Choosing the best spot for your garden means studying the sun and where it hits your backyard. You’ll want at least 6 hours of sun for most fruits and vegetables so be sure to pick the right spot before you begin laying out your garden.
Choose the Right Plants: Choose plants native to your area and apt for the amount of sunlight and soil conditions you have available. Avoid complicating your gardening by trying to grow plants when the conditions aren’t right.
Add Mulch to Your Garden: Keep moisture locked in your garden longer by adding mulch around the base of your plants. This also helps to keep out unwanted weeds as it obstructs the sunlight from reaching the ground.
Water and Feed Regularly: It may seem like the most obvious of garden tips, but ensuring you water your garden regularly is vital to keeping it alive. Whether you’re heavily soaking the roots once a week or watering every night, it is important to maintain a watering schedule.

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people caring care of the garden

Sustainable Garden Tips

Attempt Water Conservation: Place a rain barrel in an area where you can collect water for irrigation. Plant drought-tolerant plants that don’t need a lot of water to thrive. Don’t leave the sprinkler running for hours unattended.
Embrace Composting: Some of the best fertilizers for your self-sustainable garden come right from your leftover scraps and yard waste. By composting, you’ll be creating a nutrient-rich fertilizer that will help your plants grow.
Attract (the right) Insects: Figuring out how to make a sustainable garden often involves knowing what to plant to attract certain insects, like pollinators and beneficial bugs that keep pests away. Choose plants, such as cilantro, mint, and parsley, that attract ladybugs and they’ll help you keep destructive garden bugs at bay.
Harvesting Seeds: One of the keys to a self-sustaining garden is harvesting seeds at the end of the season. By storing the seeds of plants that have done well in your garden, you’ll ensure success for the upcoming season. Just make sure to store your dried seeds properly and they’ll be ready for planting when the season is upon you.

By following the garden tips above, you can create a sustainable garden that not only helps the planet but also helps put food on your table. Regardless of its purpose, a garden can be a haven for you to connect with nature, destress, and give back to the planet.