3 Common Problems Sustainable Gardening Methods Can Fix
Hello gardeners!
With strong eco-friendly gardening practices, you can improve your garden's ecosystem, and ensure your plants flourish despite the changing climate.
The more I look closely at damaged plants (I use the word plant to describe plants, shrubs and trees for simplicity), the more I see how important gardening methods are to a successful outcome after an extreme weather event. The properly pruned shrubs and trees seem to have fewer clusters of dead branches, usually indicative of root damage. Perennials can handle heat domes with a good layer of mulch keeping roots moist. Sustainable gardening methods provide the protection plants need to endure extreme weather events. Sustainable gardening techniques are best practices all gardeners should use to ensure their garden flourishes.
Three common garden problems you can fix in the garden by using sustainable gardening techniques include the following:
1. Soil Degradation
The issue with soil degradation is poor soil structure INHIBITS ROOT GROWTH. Without strong root structure the plant cannot withstand the high winds often associated with extreme weather events.
Compacted soil INHIBITS OXYGEN EXCHANGE, a critical element for plant growth
Poor soils with low levels of humic substances and a poor crumb structure, INHIBITS DRAINAGE crucial during periods of heavy rainfall. Humic substances are naturally occurring in the soil from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
GARDENS WITH GOOD SOIL STRUCTURE ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED BY HEAVY RAINS AND HIGH WINDS.
The fix:
Composting: Adds organic matter, improving soil fertility and structure.
Mulching: Retains moisture and protects against erosion.
Sustainable gardening practices restore soil health, creating a self-sustaining cycle of nutrient replenishment for plants.
2. Water Shortages
Traditional gardening methods often waste water resources, due to overwatering with irrigation systems and not catching sufficient rainwater for later use. Not using an adequate covering of mulch allows for too much evaporation from garden beds.
Soils managed using the sustainable practice of no-till or no-dig generally exhibit improved water retention capacity compared to soils that are traditionally tilled.
The fix:
Capture and store rainwater for irrigation.
Drip irrigation: Deliver water directly to roots via the soil surface, minimizing waste.
Water at the right time of day to minimize evaporation of water.
Reduce moisture loss from the soil by providing adequate levels of mulch.
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING REDUCES RELIANCE ON MUNICIPAL WATER AND SUPPORTS THE ADAPTATION OF GARDENS TO CHANGING CLIMATE CONDITIONS.
3. Loss of Biodiversity
Conventional lawns and gardens often lack diversity, providing little habitat for beneficial wildlife. Plus many old school gardeners clean up all leaf matter and deadhead the garden, thoroughly eliminating natural support for the critters essential to the garden's ecosystem.
The fix:
Pollinator-friendly plants: Support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Habitat creation: Incorporate features like trees, hedgerows, native plants and water sources that allow wildlife to thrive.
Avoid pesticides: Encourage natural pest control through predator insects and birds.
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING FOSTERS ECOSYSTEMS WHERE PLANTS, ANIMALS, AND HUMANS THRIVE TOGETHER.
The garden represents an important ecosystem. Gardeners who take the steps to incorporate eco-friendly methods become the stewards of this ecosystem. It is our responsibility to use gardening techniques that do not harm this thriving ecosystem or increase the damage to our planet.
Small, smart, steps in the right direction will ensure our gardens can manage whatever Mother Nature unleashes.