Tips for an Eco-Friendly Garden

This is a guest post by Rachel Jensen.

We live in a time where being eco-friendly and reducing our footprint is of the utmost importance. Many people focus on green technologies in the home, which typically involves a variety of factors. In the garden, the main factor you need to consider is space.

Here are five great and easy ideas for turning your yard into an eco-friendly garden.

Create Your Own Compost Heap

A compost heap is a great way to control the waste your household produces. To create a compost heap, simply choose an area of your yard in which to confine any food waste and other organic materials that decompose (dried leaves, yard clippings, etc.). Keep the pile moist by adding water every now and then, and make sure it is aerated by turning it over with a pitchfork.

If you’re a keen gardener, a compost pile becomes a bonus, as it will eventually decompose to become excellent, nutrient-rich soil for planting. A good compost pile can also help to control plant diseases and to distract insects that may want to eat your favorite roses.

Save Water with a Rain Barrel

It’s ridiculous how much water gets wasted on a regular basis. Through the simple use of a rain barrel, you can save and reuse water that would normally be wasted.

Rain barrels can be purchased for an affordable a price, or you can make your own. A rain barrel normally holds 50 to 80 gallons of water. Most have a built in spigot that you can use to fill a watering can or connect a hose. A rain barrel is an easy way to obtain free water for your garden.

Plant a Tree

This is a simple tip, but also one of the best things you can do in your garden.

The benefits of planting a tree are many. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, you’ll be combating greenhouse gases. Trees are also beneficial to wildlife. Insects will congregate and live off the tree. Birds will be attracted to the food. A tree can be a great source of shelter for creatures and a welcome source of shade for you while tending to the garden.

Grow Your Own Food

Growing your own food isn’t as daunting a process as you may expect. Peas, green beans and lettuce are just a few vegetables that anybody can easily grow. There are plenty of fun ways to garden with kids, too. Make sure you research each plant’s growing requirements, whether it be full sun or a trellis, as well as how much water they need to flourish.

You’ll find that gardening is great outdoor exercise and that homegrown veggies taste so much better.

Once you’ve produced your first vegetables, you may try your hand at canning or otherwise preserving them. Homemade food makes for great birthday or holiday gifts.

Keep Honeybees

Honeybees have been dying over the past few years, and nobody is quite sure why, but it presents a big problem. One-third of all vegetables and fruits that are produced are actually pollinated by bees; this is also how flowers prosper.

It’s common misconception that you need a large expanse of land to keep bees. Sure, the larger the space, the easier it can be, but even in London people are using terraces to raise their very own bees. Not only are you contributing to the existence of bees, but, you can harvest your own honey. Like your own vegetables, beeswax and honeycomb make great presents for special occasions.

If you’re afraid of bee stings and don’t want to invest in special clothing, there are stingless bees that you can keep. They produce a different kind of honey, but still act as pollinators without the aggressive stinging.