Why We Need Sustainable Gardening
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul." - John Muir
"Sustainable" is a word we're seeing with increasing frequency. It is being applied to categories ranging from energy generation to the economy, from fishing to living in safe homes, and from global agricultural to home gardeners. In general, sustainable behavior refers to the use of resources that aims to meet current human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met for future generations.
Fifty years ago 41% of Americans were smoking, and our culture was literally infused with cigarette smoke (this is dramatically portrayed in the entertaining MadMen tv show). We look back at that as a period of unfortunate ignorance at the abuse of health. But today, we are doing the same thing to our own home environment, dumping billions of pounds of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers onto our lawns where our children play. And what happens when pets roll in the grass and then come in for a nap on the family couch and eventually on the bed.
The incidence of autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or other related developmental problems in children has increased 300% in just the first decade of the 21st century alone (NY Times, October 5, 2009)! Although linkage is still being studied, one area being investigated is the extensive use of pesticides and herbicides at home. This past week the NY Times also reported on the extensive use of Atrazine, a widely used weedkiller, that has "become one of the most common contaminants in American drinking water". The article stated that "new studies have suggested that Atrazine in drinking water is associated with birth defects, low birth weights and reproductive problems among humans, even at concentrations that meet current federal standards."
The answer to the tobacco epidemic on a personal level has been to quit smoking. The answer to the problems described above is just as simple – just stop applying chemicals to your property and water supply. Many landscapers who use these products and homeowners who receive may not even be aware of the issues involved.
Sustainable Gardening Practices respect air quality, water supply and soil.
I. Using Organic Ingredients
Mulching all uncovered soil for water retention, weed control, and to improve the soil's structure.
Composting garden and kitchen waste. If more fertilizer is needed, using organic sources only, like well-composted manure, compost tea, and those that are fish- or seaweed-based.
Choosing pest-resistant plants and native plants.
For disease and insect problems, using prevention first (like ensuring good air circulation) and taking action only when a plant has been observed and found to be endangered. Then using the least toxic methods first, like:
- Horticultural oil for scale and mites
- Bt for caterpillars, beetles and mosquitoes
- Baking soda for black spot and powdery mildew
- SAFER brand soap for many problem insects
- Biological or physical barrier controls like bait traps, hard sprays of water to remove aphids
- Removal by hand or diatomaceous earth for slugs.
- Avoiding broad spectrum insecticides like Sevin.
- Weeding by hand
For lawns, using a high mower setting, applying an organic fertilizer in the fall, and spreading lime as needed. Also consult SafeLawns.org.
II. For Water Quality and Conservation
- Using deciduous trees south of the home to create shade, evergreens on the north to stop winter winds.
- Watering smart — directly to the root zone by hand or using soaker or drip irrigation, and preferably in the morning. Watering according to plant needs, not a rigid schedule. Watering infrequently but deeply, saving fine mists for newly planted seed only.
- Grouping plants together with similar water needs.
- Minimizing bare soil and stabilizing slopes by planting ground covers.
- Reducing lawns.
- Minimizing the use of impervious surfaces so rainwater can be filtered before reaching the stormwater system.
- Keeping trash, yard waste, fertilizers and de-icers off paved surfaces.
- Choosing drought-tolerant plants, except in wet spots.
- Weeding regularly (because weeds compete for water with the plants we want).
- Letting large segments of lawns go dormant in the summer.
