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[/media-credit]By Lorraine Shoemaker
Fall…What a perfect time to start going “green” in your garden. There are so many fun and interesting ways to go “green in your garden it’s tough to touch on them all, so here are a few of my favorite tips:
- All natural composting can be done on as large or small scale as you need. For small scale composting you may use a garbage can, a pile in your gardening area or there are several Internet sites that offer fun personal size composters.
- For the less squeamish of us earthworms can be incorporated into the compost. This is known as “vermicomposting.
- Use non-toxic aids for your soil such as shredded newspapers or fall leaf debris.
- Planting compatible, indigenous plants together will save water and they provide pest deterrence and nutrients to each other.
- Plant a border of daisies, zinnias or marigolds to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Only 10% of garden pests are harmful, learn to identify harmful pests.
- Beneficial insects for the garden that may be purchased online include lady bugs, praying mantis, snails and many others.
- Prepare a homemade pesticide for your garden. For an all purpose pesticide, use ½ cup of Isopropyl alcohol and 1 qt liquid soap, mix directly in spray container, spray then let sit for 20 minutes (do not use in direct sunlight to avoid leaf damage). Next, spray plant with clear water to reduce foliage damage. Spray every 3 days for 2 weeks. Solution works on aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects, thripes and whiteflies.
- Water your garden with rain barrel water, or even used bath and dish water.
One would think that all gardening is “green” but as you can see that is not the case. Happy green gardening!
Facts courtesy of countryfarm-lifestyles.com
