Greening Your Garden

With the temperatures getting warmer, gardening and lawncare are being added to your to do list.  Here are a few tips that are not only eco friendly, but just may save you some work.

1. Recycle cardboard and newspaper by using it as weed control in your garden.  Simply wet the ground (so the newspaper doesn't fly away) and layer the cardboard or newspaper in your garden bed.  Cover with mulch and your done!  The newspaper and cardboard are biodegradable so it's completely safe AND those pesky weeds can't get the sunlight they need to continue to grow.  This can save you hours of weeding and not to mention a sore back!

2.  Collect rainwater from your gutters and downspouts and reuse the water on your plants.  Water conservation at its best!

3. Compost your yard waste to help add nutrients to your soil.  This helps plants grow and yield more flowers and fruit/vegetables.

4.  Speaking of fruit and vegetables...start your own food garden.  Something as simple as a container herb garden can add a pleasant scent to your garden and add lots of flavor to your food.  Radishes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green beans are also easy to grow vegetables.

5.  Mow your lawn on a high setting.  This helps produce stronger, healthier grass which can help eliminate pests.  By using a push mower you can also get your workout in.  Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

6.  Water early in the AM to help reduce the levels of evaporation. 

Talk about taking your green thumb to a whole 'nother level!

Pictures from:ourlakelife.com; sphc.umn.com; powerpoint clipart