10 Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips for a Greener Earth Day

As we celebrate Earth Day, fond memories flood my mind with growing up in Upstate New York. In the little town of Owego, my Dad grew anywhere from 4-8 gardens per year, all grown from seed. He believed in living off the land, and that is what we did. Everything from tomatoes to corn to potatoes to blackberries, he grew it all. All beautifully planted in precisely straight rows. Passersby would stop to admire the beauty of his gardens. Summers were spent canning and freezing our crops.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

There’s no better time to start or enhance our gardening efforts than Earth Day! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, here are 10 eco-friendly gardening tips to help you make a positive impact on the our Environment:

• Compost: Composting is a simple way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It reduces waste sent to landfills and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Go Organic: Using organic fertilizers and pest control methods will help reduce the use of harmful chemicals that can harm wildlife, waterways and soil.
• Use Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to your region and require less water and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide habitat for local wildlife.
• Water Efficiently: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use drip irrigation systems or a rain barrel to collect rainwater to irrigate your garden.
• Mulch: Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, which reduces the need for water and chemical weed killers.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products that are sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic for your garden such as natural pest repellents, organic fertilizers and biodegradable planters.
• Plant Trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them a natural way to combat climate change.
• Start a Bee Garden: Bees are essential pollinators that are vital to our ecosystem. Create a garden that attracts bees with native flowers, herbs and shrubs.
• Use Sustainable Gardening Practices: Use hand tools and manual labor as much as possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas-powered gardening tools.
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Use recycled materials, compost waste, and recycle containers to reduce waste in your garden.

By incorporating these eco-friendly gardening tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment and celebrate Earth Day every day in your garden. Here are some products we have found that will help you go eco-friendly: 

Here are some resources that will help you to live a life that is eco-friendly