10 Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips for a Greener Earth Day

As we celebrate Earth Day, fond memories flood my mind with growing up in Upstate New York. In the quaint town of Owego, My Dad and Mom grew anywhere from 4-8 gardens per year, all grown from seed. My Dad epitomized living in harmony with the land. Our family’s diet was rich with fresh fruits and vegetables —all meticulously aligned in rows that caught the eyes of passersby. Summers were dedicated to canning and freezing our bounty, ensuring we enjoyed the fruits of our labor year-round. His plants started as seeds in a makeshift greenhouse with a wooded frame and old window that would slide on and off to adjust to the level of heat needed.

Summers were spent canning and freezing our crops. We truly lived off the land. he epitomized living in harmony with the land. Our family’s diet was rich with fresh tomatoes, corn, potatoes, and blackberries—all meticulously aligned in rows that caught the eyes of passersby. Summers were dedicated to canning and freezing our bounty, ensuring we enjoyed the fruits of our labor year-round.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

There’s no better time to start or enhance our gardening efforts than Earth Day! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, here are 10 eco-friendly gardening tips to help you make a positive impact on the our Environment:

• Compost: Composting is a simple way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It reduces waste sent to landfills and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are a lot of options. If you want to keep it contained, try this one: https://amzn.to/3U3lays
• Go Organic: Using organic fertilizers and pest control methods will help reduce the use of harmful chemicals that can harm wildlife, waterways and soil. https://amzn.to/3U3ljSw
• Use Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to your region and require less water and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide habitat for local wildlife.
• Water Efficiently: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use drip irrigation systems or a rain barrel to collect rainwater to irrigate your garden. https://amzn.to/49RwjZ6
• Mulch: Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, which reduces the need for water and chemical weed killers.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products that are sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic for your garden such as natural pest repellents, organic fertilizers and biodegradable planters. https://amzn.to/3JsnNEQ
• Plant Trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them a natural way to combat climate change.
• Start a Bee Garden: Bees are essential pollinators that are vital to our ecosystem. Create a garden that attracts bees with native flowers, herbs and shrubs. https://amzn.to/3xLqBuj
• Use Sustainable Gardening Practices: Use hand tools and manual labor as much as possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas-powered gardening tools.
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Use recycled materials, compost waste, and recycle containers to reduce waste in your garden.

By incorporating these eco-friendly gardening tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment and celebrate Earth Day every day in your garden. 

Here are some resources that will help you to live a life that is eco-friendly

Disclaimer: We are an affiliate of many companies, which means that we may receive a commission if you click on our affiliate link and make a purchase. However, this does not affect our reviews and comparisons. We strive to provide honest opinions and recommendations based on our own experiences and research. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

Companion Planting: Your Guide to a Thriving Garden

Gardening is not just about planting your favorite flowers and vegetables; it’s the art of creating a harmonious ecosystem where plants support and enhance each other’s growth. This age-old practice, known as companion planting, is a natural way to maximize the health and productivity of your garden. By carefully selecting and positioning plants that have beneficial relationships, you can create a flourishing garden that is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Let’s delve into the world of companion planting and uncover how certain plant combinations can lead to a thriving garden.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting offers a plethora of benefits for your garden, from pest control to improved growth and flavor. Here are a few key advantages:

• Natural Pest Deterrent: Certain plants emit fragrances or chemicals that repel garden pests, protecting neighboring plants. For instance, marigolds emit a scent that deters nematodes and aphids, making them excellent companions for tomatoes and peppers.
• Enhanced Growth: Some plant combinations can actually stimulate growth. Tall plants, like corn, can provide shade for sun-sensitive lower-growing plants, such as lettuce, helping them to thrive.
• Improved Flavor: Surprisingly, the presence of certain plants can enhance the flavor of their garden neighbors. Basil is known to improve the taste of tomatoes when planted nearby.
• Attract Beneficial Insects: Flowers like lavender and yarrow attract beneficial insects, including bees and ladybugs, which are crucial for pollination and natural pest control.

Genius Plant Combinations

Companion planting can significantly enhance your garden’s health and productivity. Here are the top 10 genius plant combinations, along with explanations of why they work so well together:

1. Tomatoes and Basil
   • Why: Basil repels flies and mosquitoes while potentially improving the flavor of tomatoes. The aromatic herbs can also attract beneficial insects and pollinators, which can enhance overall garden health.
2. Carrots and Onions
   • Why: The strong scent of onions, leeks, and chives can deter carrot flies, while carrots can repel onion flies and aphids, offering mutual protection against pests.
3. Corn, Beans, and Squash (The Three Sisters)
   • Why: This traditional Native American trio supports each other; corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil to nourish corn and squash, and squash spreads out to shade the ground, keeping it moist and weed-free.
4. Cucumbers and Nasturtiums
   • Why: Nasturtiums are a trap crop for pests like cucumber beetles and can enhance cucumber’s growth and flavor. They also attract pollinators and can add a peppery flavor to salads.
5. Lettuce and Tall Flowers or Herbs (like Sunflowers or Dill)
   • Why: Tall plants provide shade for lettuce, which thrives in cooler temperatures, reducing the risk of bolting in hot weather. They can also attract beneficial insects that help control lettuce pests.
6. Peas and Carrots
   • Why: Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which carrots need for growth. Their differing root depths mean they don’t compete for nutrients, making them excellent garden partners.
7. Cabbage and Dill
   • Why: Dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on many cabbage pests, including cabbage worms. This combination helps to naturally reduce pest populations without the need for chemical pesticides.
8. Spinach and Strawberries
   • Why: Planting spinach around strawberries can help keep the ground moist and weed-free. Spinach benefits from the light shade provided by strawberry plants, which can enhance its growth.
9. Garlic and Roses
   • Why: Garlic can repel rose pests, including aphids and can help prevent fungal diseases. The strong scent of garlic is thought to mask the aroma of roses, making them less attractive to pests.
10. Marigolds and Just About Everything
    • Why: Marigolds are incredibly versatile companion plants. They repel nematodes, aphids, and many other pests through their roots and fragrance. Planting them throughout the garden can provide broad-spectrum protection for a wide variety of crops.

These combinations are beneficial for a variety of reasons, including pest control, improved growth and flavor, and soil health. Incorporating these partnerships into your garden plan can lead to a healthier, more productive, and more vibrant garden ecosystem.

Tips for Incorporating Companion Planting into Your Garden

1. Start Small: If you’re new to companion planting, start with a few combinations and observe the results. This approach will allow you to learn what works best in your garden without overwhelming yourself.
2. Plan Your Garden Layout: Before planting, sketch a layout of your garden, keeping companion plants close to each other. This planning phase is crucial for maximizing the benefits of companion planting.
3. Rotate Crops Annually: To prevent soil depletion and pest buildup, rotate your plant combinations each year. This practice keeps the soil healthy and pests at bay.
4. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to see what works best. The beauty of gardening is discovering new synergies and solutions through trial and error.

Companion Planting for a Thriving Garden is a smart approach to promoting a healthier, more productive garden by harnessing the natural relationships between plants. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only enjoy a vibrant and thriving garden but also contribute to a more sustainable gardening practice. Happy planting! 

Disclaimer: We are an affiliate of many companies, which means that we may receive a commission if you click on our affiliate link and make a purchase. However, this does not affect our reviews and comparisons. We strive to provide honest opinions and recommendations based on our own experiences and research. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.