Sustainable Gardening

If we say something is sustainable, we mean that it can keep going. Since agriculture and gardening are critical to our food supply, being sustainable is pretty darned important.

Until the 1980’s, food production was focused on the industrial production of single species (mono crops), using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, until the soil was exhausted. You can only do that for so long, before you run out of places to grow food. 

​In 2002, at the International Society of Horticultural Science’s First International Symposium on Sustainability, it was agreed that sustainable agriculture and gardening were critical for the “well being of human societies”. ​

​Sustainable gardening incorporates practices that reduce water, energy, time and chemical consumption, while producing food year-round and protecting the environment. These practices take the following issues into account:

• water availability and quality
• soil degradation
• energy consumption
• landfills and garbage disposal
• fire prevention
• wildlife habitat protection
• invasive plant and animal species

Design for sustainability

Whether you already have a garden or are just starting out, you can design a garden or landscape for sustainability. Native plants are always your best bet because they put millions of years of evolution to work for you, conserving water, reducing the need for chemicals, and freeing up your time. Lawns are notorious water wasters and, quite honestly, most of us are not British aristocracy. Other plants, such as oregano, yarrow, or clover, make excellent, low-growing ground covers that use less water and rarely, if ever, need mowing. 

These tips can help you create your own sustainable garden:

• Use plants that are suitable to your microclimate
• Get your soil tested before applying fertilizers
• Place plants with their mature size in mind, to reduce the need for pruning (and remember that mature trees can significantly cool your house in summer!)
• Use low-volume irrigation (drip systems, rain barrels, micro sprinklers)
• Ask your local water district for a free efficiency inspection
• Transform kitchen and yard waste into compost
• Install free mulch from local tree trimming companies
• Plant species, such as California buckwheat or common yarrow, to attract and provide for beneficial insects
• Install porous hardscapes that allow water and gases to maintain soil health
• Pull weeds before they go to seed
• Identify pests before applying treatments and find out if there are more environmentally friendly methods