"Greening" Your Garden: Eco Living Articles: Eco20/20

"Greening" Your Garden

Believe it or not just because gardens are outdoors and full of plants doesn't mean they are 100% "green." A wide assortment of vegetables and flowers and a lush lawn may offer an impressive presentation but without caring for it in an ecological friendly manner that beauty can be misleading.

Why?

Because treating gardens well is not only beneficial for the vegetation within but improves the overall environment and quality of life, especially those consuming the growth, whether people or wildlife.

Moving towards a "greener" garden isn't difficult and though just having a garden itself is a green thumbs up, there is much to consider regarding the process and understanding some of the issues at hand:

* Pesticides and herbicides: Prolonged exposure to the nasty chemical-based variety can cause serious health problems in people so you can imagine what they do to weeds and other vegetation. Pesticides and herbicides are also a big contributor to water pollution and can end up contaminating soil for years. For eradicating pests or stubborn weeds seek organic alternatives .

* Treated wood: Sometimes wood is necessary in a garden to build vegetable beds or for other uses. However, not all wood is what it appears to be. Pressure treated wood has chemicals bound up in it, specifically arsenic, that will absorb into soil. If you came upon treated wood hoping to recycle and use in the garden, let it weather outside and wash it down well. When you set the wood in place, put less soil by the inner bed wall or make a liner that will prevent possible exposure to vegetable roots, especially the kind you want to eat.

* Black plastic and landscape fabric used under mulch: While it keeps down the weeds victory is only temporary, as most things plastic put in the ground will only end up causing future damage. For instance, continued exposure to sun will cause the plastic fabric to break down more quickly resulting in countless pieces of plastic in your soil and the difficult task of removing them. Also, with plastic water won't enter soil naturally making root systems less healthy. The lack of water and sunlight could further kill buried nutrients. Alternatives: If you are thinking about mulching and need a base use newspaper or cardboard, both of which are biodegradable and permeable.

* Plant selection: Choose native plants that will do well under regional conditions. Also, consider which require less water, more water, shade, or sun placing those with similar needs together. This will help conserve water and cater to the plant's requirements more precisely.

* Watering: There are several things to consider: 1) Watering in the evening and night when the sun won't quickly dry moisture. 2) Water only by the roots. 3) Consider a drip irrigation system. 4) Save water running off from gutters either by containing it or guiding it towards your garden.

* Compost: there's no better way to go green in the garden than with composting. Whether its scraps from dinner, grass clippings, or other vegetation, reap the benefits and start a heap.

* Recyclable materials: Gardens are great places where the worlds of recycling and horticulture meet. There are countless items that can be recycled into uses for the garden and yard including pots and pans, plastic food containers, and lumber. Just double check what you plan to use aren't composed of materials or chemicals that will have an adverse effect on the master plan.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com. He covers various home improvement topics including green ideas on reducing household allergens and landscaping maintenance.