Make your garden a place for good conservation and environmental savings, getting economic at he same time. If yard waste is managed properly, a garden environment can not be enhanced but also help you save money.
Here are some cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for eco-gardening and large-scale landscaping projects, offered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
� Use shredded untreated wood and leaf wastes converted into chips as mulch on garden beds. This would help prevent weed growth, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and add nutrients back to the soil
� You can use recycled materials – like wood scraps and cardboard – for building a backyard fort or tree-house for your children, giving them an eco friendly atmosphere.
� Purchase recycled-content gardening equipment and tools. Some fo such equipments are like,
— garden hoses made from old tires.
— stepping stones made from old glass bottles.
— hand tools made with recycled plastic.
— plastic lumber made from recycled plastic bottles and bags — to make flower beds, trellises, decks and birdhouses.
� Recycle used oil and tires from lawn and garden equipment.
� Maintain your lawn mower and other gardening equipment regularly. Always keep them in efficient operating condition. When refilling your lawn mower, use a nozzle that prevents fuel spills and get wasted unused. To save fuel and protect the air quality, use manual tools.
� Don’t bag the grass clippings; leave them on your lawn instead. You can also use a mulching mower. The clippings will return nutrients to the soil rather than take up space in landfills.
� Protect young seedlings from frost, wind, heavy rain, and roving animals by reusing plastic milk jugs, just by cutting the bottoms off, or else use small paper bags for the purpose. And, once the seedlings have grown, recycle the bags and jugs for sure.
� Donate healthy plants to community gardens or schools, or gift them to neighbors.
� Introduce ladybugs as they will eat aphids.
� Plant marigolds to ward off beetles.
� Look for quick-sprouting plants that help block weed growth.
