Going "Green" In The Garden by Tricia Goss

“Green” and “gardening” are two words that naturally go together. But have you ever considered finding ways to take care of your yard that are more environmentally friendly? Not only will implementing these ideas help the ecosystem, they are also safer for kids and pets. As a bonus, you will save money, too!

Paper, not plastic.

Even if you use and reuse those little plastic starter pots, eventually they are going to end up in some landfill. If you have some old newspaper and a glass or a jar then you’ve got the makings for all the biodegradable pots you could ever want.

To make paper seed starting pots, fold a sheet of newspaper in half lengthwise twice. Lay a glass or jar on its side at one end of the strip of paper so that about half of the width of the strip is overlapping the mouth of the glass. Roll the paper around it. Fold the overlapping paper into the glass. Slide the glass from the paper, place the paper on a flat surface, and slide the bottom of the glass back into it to press and seal the bottom. Remove the glass and you have your paper pot.

You might catch more flies with honey…

But who wants more flies? Vinegar has numerous uses in your garden, and none of them harmful, except to weeds and critters. Spray full-strength vinegar on weeds, grass in driveway cracks, and anywhere you want to get rid of ants, slugs, cats or rabbits (don’t worry, the cats and rabbits won’t be harmed – they just don’t like the smell!)

Vinegar has prolific qualities as well. Feed a bit to acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias (about one cup vinegar to one gallon water). And you can use it to clean fountains, clay pots and hummingbird feeders.

Plant some pesticide

Well, perhaps pesticide is a strong word. However, you can round out your garden with plants that naturally keep unwanted pests away. Lemon grass contains citronella oil, which mosquitoes abhor. Mice, ants and aphids loathe mint. Mites have an aversion to chives, garlic and onion, and wouldn’t that make for a tasty baked potato? And marigolds fend off root knot nematodes. What is a root knot nematode, you ask? I couldn’t tell you, but I do not think I want them in my yard, do you?

© 2008 Good News Tucson™