- by Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team

Gardening is an activity that can beautify a property, put food on your table, reduce stress levels and is an excellent way to help combat climate change. It can vary from having plants in pots to extensive vegetable and flower gardens.

There is definitely an increase in the number of people expressing interest in knowing how to make their gardens more environmentally friendly, so let’s take a look at some of the things you can do.

If space is an issue, there are many plants you can grow in pots, both outside in the summer or indoors in the winter. This way you can grow your own fresh vegetable all year round. These include beans, beets, chard, chilli peppers, kale, lettuce, onions, radishes, spinach, sweet peppers and tomatoes. Hybrid and dwarf versions are best. Herbs are also easily grown this way.

Plant trees and shrubs. These will improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, regulate temperature extremes, increase wildlife habitat and improve the land's capacity to adapt to climate change. Trees also provide food, protection and shelter for wildlife. When planted strategically, their shade can cool your home, saving energy and money. Little potted Christmas trees can be kept in the house over winter. In the spring they can be planted in suitable places outdoors. If they are planted in their pots outside, they can be brought into the house for four to five days over Christmas and then returned to the ground.

Reduce the amount of grass you have and transform your yard into a pollinator paradise. This is a garden which is planted and designed, with specific nectar and pollen producing plants, in a way that attracts pollinating insects known as pollinators. The secret? Keep parts of your yard messy. https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/create-pollinator-friendly-garden-birds-bees-butterflies/

Hold off on mowing those spring dandelions!! In fact it’s crucial that you do. This is the most difficult time for bees because they've eaten through a lot of their stores of honey. Once temperatures hit 10°C they become active and dandelions are their primary food source. So if you have a lawn full of dandelions, be patient. The bees will thank you!!

Get to know your garden aspect. Assess the size of your outdoor space, work out your soil type, get to know your garden aspect, consider your garden's climate, think about any garden visitors, know your shadiest and sunniest areas and hot spots. Buy plants that are native. Include drought-tolerant plants in your landscape to conserve water. Put plants that need more water in spots where the soil stays moist. Buy plants suitable to your sun and wind exposures. These will assist you when ordering or purchasing plants.
http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/alien_native.php?type=N

Learn safe organic ways to deal with pests, weeds, and fertilizer. An effective way to control unwanted pests in your vegetable garden is to do companion planting.
https://heeman.ca/garden-guides/companion-planting/

Control weeds naturally. Make your own spray. For example mix 1 gallon vinegar, 2 cups Epsom Salts and 1/4 cup original Blue Dawn Dish Soap. Spray on the leaves after morning dew has evaporated.
https://www.thespruce.com/weed-control-without-chemicals-2132928

Make your own compost. Regardless of the method you choose, composting is a natural way to fertilize soil. A backyard composter could take anywhere from four weeks to twelve months to fully decompose. The tumbler variety takes three weeks to three months. These systems take green materials such as vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags and leaves and fresh grass clippings. Worm Farms, or vermicomposting systems are easy to maintain and take very little time and effort. Although expensive, you can set up worm farms in the smallest of spaces, such as balconies and courtyards. Earthworms are one of the fastest ways to compost.
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/how-to-start-a-worm-farm
Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process that relies on inoculated bran to ferment kitchen waste, including meat and dairy, into a safe soil builder and nutrient-rich tea for your plants. This tea can also be used to clean drains and pipes.
https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/indoor-composting/bokashi-composting/

Don’t throw away those cardboard egg cartons. They can be used to start plants from seed. They also break down quickly and will help create rich fertilizer for your garden. You can also compost the egg shells!

Remember to mulch your gardens. Mulching saves water by regulating soil temperature and prevents soil from drying out. It also suppresses weeds, adds nutrients to the soil, and prevents erosion.

Finally, research and watch documentaries, work together with your neighbours, help each other and share your knowledge and ideas.

These are practices shared by the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team. For more information please email [email protected]