Garden green
Amy Jordan
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Next Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day.
As gardeners we can have a significant impact on the earth, in a positive or negative manner depending on the choices that we make.
Plants can save on building energy usage by blocking wind in the winter or shading the south or west side in the summer. Dense, healthy lawns filter pollutants out of water that could eventually end up in our rivers. On the other hand, poor plant selection could increase a gardener’s use of water and pesticides, which if used improperly could have a detrimental effect on the earth.
Implement these gardening practices to have a healthy yard and reduce your impact on the environment:
• Build and maintain a healthy soil by amending it with compost.
• Right plant-right place; choose plants that are adapted to our environment and are appropriate for the site. Group plants according to water and maintenance needs.
• Be water wise; water early in the morning only as necessary to sustain growth and plant health. Apply water deeply and infrequently.
• Mulch; maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or straw around young trees, shrubs, flowers and fruit/vegetable gardens.
• Recycle grass clippings or compost; mow lawn at the appropriate height for the type of grass (3 1/2 inches for tall fescue) and don’t bag clippings.
• Fertilize lawns when appropriate for the species.
• Manage yard pests; check plants every one to two weeks for signs of problems. Properly identify pest before treating. Use non-chemical approaches as a first choice for pest control such as pruning affected areas, hand-remove insects or use a strong spray of water to dislodge pests. If using a pesticide, apply according to the label.
• Prevent storm water pollution by removing fertilizer, grass clippings, leaves and other potential contaminants from the street curb line and other impervious surfaces and dispose of it properly. Use soil stabilizing plant material or mulch in areas prone to erosion.
• Plant flowers, shrubs and trees that provide cover, nesting areas or food sources for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
To evaluate the maintenance practices you use in your yard, check out the “How Healthy is Your Yard?” self-assessment. It is part of the Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities program through K-State Research and Extension. You can find a link to the self assessment at www.lyon.ksu.edu.
This Earth Day, consider the impact your gardening practices have on the environment.
• Amy Jordan is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Lyon County.