Here are easy eco friendly gardening tips to prepare your garden for winter.   Easy tips for going green can start in your garden.  Following organic and sustainable gardening practices will be beneficial for your garden, the critters, your health, the planet and your pocket book!

One of the benefits of sustainable, organic gardening is the connection to the land, to the living and growing organisms, and to a more natural existence.  It is working WITH Nature, not against it and viewing the garden as a small component of the natural system, an ecological community.

Forget about the typical fall clean up.  Environmentally friendly gardening means Read the rest of this entry »

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When you build a water garden or pond you create a soothing and peaceful space; an oasis water garden for you and the critters.  Did you know it can also be wonderful for the environment?

Why is creating a water garden an eco-conscious choice?

• The moving water discharges negative ions into the atmosphere which helps rid the air of impurities.

• It will not use soil or need constant watering.  Sure you will need to fill it occasionally, but other gardens need water everyday.  Rainwater also will help contribute to keeping your water garden filled.

• It has a way to hydrate plants and animals that is self sustaining.

• Wildlife will enjoy your garden as much as you do.  Do not be surprised if you see butterflies, interesting insects, birds, frogs and Read the rest of this entry »

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Benefits of Composting

How to start a compost at home

Backyard composting is not only easy, but an eco-friendly way to recycle your kitchen and yard waste.  What better way to get compost than from your own home?

Why composting is important?

You are participating “hands-on” in a natural, biological process using organic matter.  You are creating a useful product from organic waste that would have gone to the landfill.  Wait, there is more good news… Compost can enhance the actual physical structure of soil, it may provide greater drought resistance and more efficient water use, therefore, reducing irrigation needs, it helps the soil retain nutrients for a longer period of time, it may help reduce disease on your plants,  it good for weed and erosion control and the list goes on.  It is a major step forward to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable life.

How do I compost?

Look at your space.  Do you have a small or Read the rest of this entry »

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Eco Friendly Garden Options

If you are wondering how to create an eco-friendly garden or do sustainable gardening at home, first, you want to start by knowing your options.  One of the best ways to reduce your carbon foot print is to try your hand at gardening.  If you have never gardened, there are a plethora of options available to you, such as:

• Container Gardening *
• Square Foot Gardening *
• Indoor Gardening *
• No Dig Gardening/ No Till Gardening
• Water Gardening
• Community Gardening*
• Roof-Top Gardening*
• Hydroponics*
• Raised Bed Gardening

*Are you living in a small space like an apartment, condo, etc. and wonder how you could possibly garden?  All of these choices (with asterisks) are viable options for you.  If you have more space, you can implement any of these types of gardens.

Where Do I Start? Read the rest of this entry »

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In this short video “Building Green” host Kevin Contreras visits the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, and learns about the benefits and basics of construction of living roofs from Steve Windhager, Director of the Center.  Visit www.buildinggreentv.com or call your station for local PBS listings.

Duration : 0:2:9

Read the rest of this entry »

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