Sustainable Spring Gardening Tips

She’s pretty much a show off.  That’s Mother Nature in spring we’re talking about. Just walk around town this time of year to get a real-life reminder that Mother Nature is out in all her glory, with an abundance of greenery and entire landscapes covered in breathtaking flowers. Bring some of that organic beauty home by cultivating your own spring garden. Read on for our eco-friendly spring gardening tips.

Plant Bright Flowers Bright flowers provide places where certain bugs (like ladybugs and lacewings) can find shelter and lay their eggs.  And these brightly colored bugs (which blend in with your brightly colored flowers) dine on many insects that are crop-destroyers. In short, bright flowers = bright bugs = robust, healthy plants. 

Welcome Birds: Install a bird feeder or birdbath to welcome some sweet singers to your yard. Birds are a natural pest repellant for your plants, as they eat annoying slugs, snails, and caterpillars.

Start Composting: If you’ve put off initiating that compost, let this be your invitation to get started! Compost turns waste into chemical-free fertilizer that adds good nutrition to your soil and reduces the amount of trash sent to landfills.

Garden to Table: There’s nothing better for your health or the environment than growing fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. When you grow your own produce, you can be confident that your food is pesticide and chemical free, and that no carbon emissions were involved in the arrival of said yumminess to your table.

Go Native: Sow plant varieties that are indigenous to your area to preserve biodiversity and raise stronger, more resilient flora. Native plants are usually easier to care for, require less water, and provide essential food sources and habitats for local wildlife.

Companion Plant: There are certain plants that, when grown side-by-side, have a better chance at thriving. Companion planting uses garden space efficiently and helps naturally repel harmful insects and slugs. Click here for a list of plants to grow together.

Looking forward to more sustainable springtime ideas? Stay connected to the Just Energy blog! We’ll be sharing tips, news, and info for spending the season in eco-friendly style. And be sure to like Just Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Sources:

http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/top-ten-tips-for-eco-friendly-gardening-pictures

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/top-eco-friendly-gardening-ideas.php

http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/eco-friendly/composting-101.aspx

http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-gardening/organic-gardening/your-spring-vegetable-garden-when-to-plant-what.html

http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/About/Native-Plants.aspx

https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/26-plants-you-should-always-grow-side-by-side/slide/2