Spring is upon us, and garden enthusiasts across the Northern Hemisphere are excitedly preparing for a new season of horticulture. In the coming weeks we’ll dedicate a handful of Daily Green Tips to this popular hobby. There is practically no limit to the environmentally-minded changes you can make to your garden in order to enjoy nature while maintaining a light footprint.
Before you even plant the first seed, you can make big steps toward a greener garden by choosing your plants carefully. Selecting the right plants for your garden will drastically reduce your use of water, eliminate the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and very likely encourage a healthier garden overall.
First of all, choose native plants. Exotic varieties may be exciting, but they’re probably not practical, and won’t thrive as well as plants that naturally belong in your climate. They may also threaten your local ecosystem.
Next, put the right plants in the right place. Some plants need shade, and some plants need sun. Some plants need dry, loose soil. Do your research ahead of time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and water.
Choose healthy plants. This may seem fatuous, but it’s worth mentioning. Some plants are more inclined to disease and more attractive to your local pests. Others are stronger or have hardier varieties they’ll be more rewarding.
Finally, encourage a healthy ecosystem. A diverse habitat is the best way to control pests. Foster your ecosystem by choosing a variety of plants. A mixed set of shrubs instead of a wall of cedar, for example will welcome more wildlife and keep pests in check.
If you don’t know where to turn, ask at your neighbourhood garden store. They’ll know your local environment and will be aware of what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks to reader Heather Macdougall, in Montreal, Canada, for suggesting today’s Green Tip.
