Photo by David Croxford

Just because your garden (or yard) looks green, doesn’t mean it is. Try these tips from the experts at The Green House, Sustainable Learning Center and Tropical Garden Accents for improving the health of your piece of the planet. 

1. Save water

Conserving water in your yard and garden is one very big way to go greener. Try a super-efficient soaker hose or drip-irrigation system, which works by applying water slowly and directly to the soil. Unlike sprinkler systems, the water soaks into the soil before it can evaporate or run off and it’s only applied where it is needed—at the plant’s roots—rather than sprayed everywhere. You can also collect rainwater from your house, garage or roof to use for watering.

2. Make the most of mulch.

Mulching your plants helps the soil retain moisture, which in turn, conserves water, prevents nutrients from being washed away and even discourages weeds. Mulch can very simply be composed of garden/yard clippings and grass clippings.


3. Opt for organic options.

Every garden needs to be fed, so feed it well and naturally with things such as compost, manure and vermicast. Vermicast (harvested from worm bins, in which composting worms turn food scraps, newspaper, shredded office paper and/or manures into rich fertilizer) is the best natural fertilizer and a plant superfood.

Skip chemical-laden fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. To take care of bugs, Aja Muir, of Tropical Garden Accents, suggests a home remedy of a little dish soap and water. Sprayed onto the plants, the solution will smother most small plant bugs.


4. Go with gas-free tools.

Leave the leaf blower and the weed whacker to the pros. In your own yard, try using tools that are powered by hand or electricity, such as large shears or a manual mower.


5. Put the right plants in the right place.

The most important tip of all? Work with the elements. Consider your yard’s topography, sun exposure and soil, and choose climate-appropriate plants that don’t need excessive watering. Planning and picking the right plants and flowers can make all the difference. And even if you don't have much space, Muir recommends container gardening. "Container gardens are an excellent option for spaces that are hard to work with," she says. "Plants in pots are portable, self contained and decorative."