|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com)-As more people try to take better care of the environment, there is an increased interest in “green gardening.” This concept is surprisingly easy, and it often saves gardeners money by reducing and reusing materials. Here’s how to get started:
Containers: Reuse items you already have, such as wooden barrels, an old birdhouse, or a wheelbarrow for a container. Anything works, just put holes in the bottom, at least ½” wide. Light-colored materials work best, as they reflect heat away. If you purchase a container, look for pots made of recycled or biodegradable materials.
Ask the folks at the garden center if they take back the plastic pots the plant came in, or bring it to a recycling center. Newspaper in the bottom of the pot will prevent soil loss from drainage holes and limit the amount of soil needed to fill the pot.
Soil: Compost is key to green gardening, and for good reason. Compost can be made of grass clippings, leaves, vegetable peels, coffee grounds (especially good for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas), sawdust, straw and shredded paper. Its benefit is twofold–it reduces waste while producing a rich organic soil amendment. Mix the compost with your potting soil, at a ratio of 25 percent compost to 75 percent potting mix.
Water: Reduce water use by watering at the roots, where the water is needed. Don’t water when it is very windy, which can cause water to evaporate. Likewise, water plants either early or late in the day to prevent evaporation.
When purchasing potting mix, look for mixes with polymers that retain water. After planting, apply a layer of mulch to help keep the plant from drying out. Use barrels to collect rainwater runoff from your roof and gutters. Place a screen on the top to filter out bugs.
Plants: Swap annuals, which have to be replaced every year, with plants such as the Forever & Ever® Hydrangea. These small flowering shrubs suit containers because of their compact size and long-lasting blooms. They perform best in morning sun and afternoon shade, and can easily be moved around whenever the spirit moves you.
Forever & Ever Peppermint has gorgeous 10″ mophead blooms, which display a brushstroke of pink or blue (depending on soil acidity) in the center of each white petal. Forever & Ever White Out features the eye-catching combination of pure white individual flowers atop deep green foliage.
Utilizing these ideas will result in earth-friendly, eye-catching displays that improve your landscape and your planet.
Add accent plants to increase the texture, shape and color of your display.
Download high-resolution, print_quality graphic and MS Word document
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com