Earth Day – April 22, 2010 Tips for an Earth Friendly Garden in Honour of Spring

Earth Day commences April 22, 2010 and is a day that has been designed to raise awareness and appreciation of the planet and the environment. It is unique in that this day transcends all national borders and promotes unity of the world’s population to respect the earth, which we all call our home. The celebration of Earth day is only the first step of the journey to respecting the environment and the resources that it supplies us with. The important thing is to try making eco-conscience choices everyday, such as reusable coffee mugs for your morning java for all you coffee junkies out there including us “Whale Nerds” or using cloth bags instead of plastic bags for your weekly groceries. The simplest eco-friendly changes to your daily routine such as using biodegradable shampoo and condition, i.e. Kiss My Face or JASONS, will assist our planet’s health in the long run. There is truth to the statement “THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL”, for if everyone on the planet acts locally in their own backyard then a global change will occur.

Now, into the backyard we go. Earth day usually occurs in the spring for the North Hemisphere…which is the time of the year that gardening commences. A green garden would be great symbol for the go green revolution.

Tips for an Earth Friendly or in our case “Killer Whale” Friendly Garden:

(1) KEEP IT REAL – eliminate the “chemically-laden” fertilizers, pesticides and weed killers. These chemicals will either be washed away by rain water into the ocean or local lakes and build up within the food web, or will leach into the local water table…and into your drinking water supply. Instead, get healthy: use those muscles and your relaxing pass time as a work out by digging up those weeds by the root. Additionally, use an all-natural compost and promote insect warfare…it’s what Mother Nature has been doing for a long time.

(2) MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST – kitchen scraps are the perfect tool to compost like a champion. You’ll reduce the amount of waste being trucked off to a landfill and provide your garden with the boost of energy that it desires. Compost enriches soil by providing it with nutrients that plants love as well aeration and the ability to retain water longer (less chance of wasting the precious resource of water).

(3) GO NATIVE – plant a variety of native and indigenous plants found in your area, which promotes the visitation of your pollinator pals. Native plants are easier to grow and maintain for they are already adapted to the local conditions. Additionally, they will general require less fertilizer and water.

(4) HARVEST RAINWATER & WATER WITH CARE – adding a rain barrel is an inexpensive way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for watering lawns, yards, and gardens. The water can also be implemented in washing cars or rinsing windows, but use biodegradable cleaning detergents. A screen on your rain barrel will help keep out insects, debris and bird’s aerial missiles, and don’t forget to make frequent use of your water to keep it aerated. The rainwater will help you save on the water bill, but also reduce erosion that can occur with storm-water runoff, plus if you live in the Pacific Northwest like us Whale Nerds….its a chance to take advantage of your winter. However, to maintain your water supply during the drier summer season: remember to compost/mulch which helps retain water in the soil much longer, and that the best place to soak your plants is directly on the thirsty roots.

Enjoy your eco-friendly lawn and garden this spring and summer from “recycled lawn furniture”. And don’t forget to enrol in Earth Day 365 days a year by making eco-conscience choices.