The Importance of Sustainable Gardening

Written by George Vidal

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Sustainable gardening involves actively seeking to cause neither harm to the environment nor depletion of natural resources, thereby pursuing an ecologically balanced activity that supports the ecosystem for the benefit of humans and organisms both today and for future generations. A sustainable garden is important for a variety of reasons, including benefits to the environment, to one's physical and mental health as well as economic and social well being.

Organic fertilizers have been around for thousands of years. They have been added to the soil in order to improve the quantity and quality of plants being grown. It was long ago discovered that when a plot of land was being used for the cultivation of plants, the first yields were typically the best, with subsequent yields decreasing in both quality and quantity. It was discovered that by adding certain substances to the soil, such as animal manure, ashes, vegetable waste, seashells and clay, a growing plot's output could be not only maintained but enhanced. Plants thrive when fed certain nutrients, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

While these are available in various organic fertilizers, most fertilizers used today are man-made with chemically saturated additives that produce a host of harmful byproducts. Ammonium nitrate is used as an explosive. Adding this substance to a garden will kill the naturally growing microbes, insects, fungi and bacteria that are essential to healthy soil and plant growth. Chemical fertilizers leech into the water supply, which is then consumed by animals, causing further harm to the environment.

Growing food organically, without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, produces a more resilient, healthier crop, allowing a person to feel better eating and sharing it with others. Using water that has been collected from rainfall rather than depending on water from a local utility or a private well (which requires the use of electricity) contributes to sustainable gardening. Using renewable and biodegradable growing medium, such as coconut peat, helps in many ways. Coconut peat is a renewable resource that helps against pests, weeds and diseases, reduces watering frequency and promotes strong root growth.

Coco peat is an easy and inexpensive way to contribute to sustainable gardening and a better environment. Use coco peat as an additive in your potting soil and see the difference in your garden. For more information on coco peat, please visit CocoEnviro.com.

Growing Tomatoes from Seed

Written by Renee Shepherd

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At Renee's Garden, I offer only the varieties that are very special for home gardeners, based on great flavor, easy culture and exceptional garden performance.  This seed line is my personal selection of new, exciting and unusual seed choices of time-tested heirlooms, the best international hybrids and fine open-pollinated varieties. I  harvest and use the vegetables and herbs in my kitchen to choose the most delicious, and cut the flowers for bouquets to select the finest colors, forms and fragrances. Our varieties are tested and guaranteed for every major US climate zone.

Nifty-50 Plants for Water-Smart Landscapes for California

Written by Water Conservation Garden

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These plants have been selected because they are attractive, often available in nurseries, non-invasive, easy to maintain, long-term performers, scaled for residential landscapes, and of course, once established — drought tolerant. N = Native Plant

The Nifty-50 plants thrive in California’s semiarid climate. Become environmentally aware of what makes our region distinctly beautiful! The Nifty-50 plants are labeled and on display at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. The five-acre public garden is an excellent place to get ideas for a new or retrofitted landscape that looks beautiful and saves water, time, and money.

The Garden is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Call for summer hours.) Tours are off ered each Saturday morning and by appointment. There are classes, workshops, and gardening festivals for the entire family. Go to www.thegarden.org or call 619-660-0614 x10 for further information.

APLD Certification Program Offered

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Leading Landscape Design Certification Program Gives Homeowners Peace of Mind

(HARRISBURG, Pa.) – In today’s belt-tightening economy, homeowners want the best bang for their buck and a certified landscape designer brings that to the table. Hiring a certified professional landscape designer offers homeowners peace-of-mind knowing they are investing in their home with the help of a certified leader in the design field.