The meaning of sustainable gardening often confuses people, who do not
have a garden. They think that when a person has a sustainable garden it
means that they grow enough food to sustain them and their family
throughout the year, without relying on grocery store items. I can
somewhat understand their confusion because according to Webster.com the
word sustain means to supply with substance or nourish. This same
meaning can apply to sustainable gardens. Certain factors and elements
supply substance and nourishment to a garden in order for it to survive,
with little effort provided from a gardener.
Sustainable gardens
rely on things such as soil, fertilizer, water, and pesticides to
produce and maintain healthy plants and vegetables. When a gardener has a
perfect balance of these factors, very little work is needed to
maintain the garden.
Soil
Poor producing
vegetable and other garden plants can be attributed to poor soil. An
unbalanced pH level, too many weeds, poor drainage, and nutrient
deficient soil not only leads to plant problems but also will cause the
gardener a lot of work just trying to keep the plants healthy. A
gardener should have their garden soil tested each year and add soil
amendments as needed to rectify the pH balance in the soil and nutrient
content. Adding organic rich compost will also help to enrich the soil.
Weeds
No one likes to pull weeds, so keep them at a minimum by using weed
barriers such as mulch or plastic. Consider planting in raised beds with
graveled walkways. Mulch will help prevent water runoff and acts as a
barrier to water evaporation. It also helps to keep the soil temperature
from fluctuating, reducing the chances of rot damage. Over time, mulch
will break down and added valuable nutrients to the soil. Fewer weeds
will help eliminate pests, reducing the need for the use of pesticides.
Plants will not have to compete with weeds for water if there are fewer
weeds.
Water
Although having an adequate supply
of water is an important requirement for a sustainable garden, water
drainage must also be considered. Water saturation is an easy and quick
way to kill healthy, producing plants.
Pesticides
Healthy soil and weed elimination are great ways to keep pests at bay.
Another easy fix for unwanted bugs is companion planting. Many bugs are
naturally repelled by specific plants. Doing a little research to find
out which plants repel which bugs and then planting those plants can
save a gardener time and money, as well as having chemical free produce.
