There are a number of things I do, very intentionally, as a Minnesota gardener. One of the easiest things I have done is to use native Minnesota plants in my gardens. The book Landscaping with Native Plants of Minnesota
has been a valuable resource for me. These plants are proven to handle the conditions Minnesota can dish out, and are mostly drought-tolerant. That is very important to me, as I don't want to waste any water, if at all possible. Once the plants are established, I usually have to water them just once a week, and that only if it hasn't rained. I water at the ground level, not using a sprinkler most of the time. I simply lay the hose down in the garden and let it run. That way I don't lose much to evaporation. Mulching is a big thing i do for my garden. I use significantly less water when i mulch the beds, and containers! The water does not evaporate off, and the soil does not dry like a garden without mulch. Less water= less waste= happy environment!
As far as pesticides/insecticides go, I choose to not use them. I do not use them because there are many beneficial insects/bugs/spiders that I want to keep in my garden. I am the one who will go out there and pick off the bugs one-by-one! I can often be found lying under my rose bushes picking off japanese beetles!
These are just a few of the things I do to be a responsible gardener as far as our environment goes.
What are some things that you do?
2 comments:
Hi Nettie, nice to meet you! Thank you for joining in the project this year! I can just picture you , lying underneath your bushes, picking off the bugs;-) My favorite insects are the caterpillars because they usually turn into gorgeous butterflies. I will use insect repellents such as neem oil or other organic sprays, if necessary...as long as they aren't toxic. I don't use this on the swallowtail or monarch cats because I believe that would prevent them from fully developing...but I definitely use it on aphids and other pests! Thanks again for stopping by and linking in. Jan
if i have a really bad outbreak of something, i DO look for a natural way to get rid of it... i LOVE seeing the butterflies and all the different bees! i even had ONE real ladybug last year!!
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