Water Conservation
Lawn
- Adjust your mowing height to 3 to 4 inches to promote deeper root growth, which will help the lawn to better retain moisture and resist drought.
- Use a mulching lawn mower, which returns grass clippings to the soil, increasing water retention and providing nutrients.
- Aerate your lawn annually to improve water penetration and prevent excess runoff during heavy rains.
Garden
- Plant water-loving flowers near each other so you can give them a solid watering without overdoing it for the drought-tolerant ones.
- Spread a thick layer of mulch (like shredded leaves or bark chips) around your plants to act like a blanket, keeping the soil cool and moist.
- Mix in plenty of compost when prepping garden beds; compost helps the soil hold onto moisture.
- Use a rain barrel to collect water that you can then use to water your plants when they need it.
- Ditch the sprinkler and install a drip system or soaker hoses instead; they water directly at the roots with way less waste.
- Plant some trees or shrubs to create shady spots. The shade will help garden beds retain precious moisture.
Fossil Fuel and Chemical Use
Lawn
- Use an electric or manual mower to avoid using fossil fuels and creating harmful exhaust.
- Get your hands dirty by pulling weeds yourself instead of spraying chemicals that pollute the air and soil.
Garden
- Get a workout in the garden by digging beds and trenches by hand instead of using gas-powered tillers.
- Ditch the toxic chemicals and pull weeds the old-fashioned way; it's great exercise and way better for the environment. You can also spot-treat your garden with corn gluten meal instead of using herbicides.
- Save electricity by using solar-powered path lights or a solar fountain to add some ambiance to your flower garden without the utility bill spike.
Yard and Garden Waste Solutions
Lawn
- Leave those grass clippings on the lawn when you mow; they'll quickly break down, returning nutrients to the soil.
- Invest in a good mulching mower that finely shreds clippings to help them decompose naturally.
- Put fallen leaves to use by running them over with the mower to shred them into a nutrient-rich mulch layer for your lawn.
Garden
- Let fallen leaves insulate your garden beds over the winter, then incorporate them as nutritious mulch come spring instead of hauling them away.
- Start a compost bin or pile to recycle all those banana peels, eggshells, and other organic waste from your kitchen and garden.
- Shred twigs and plant trimmings with a mulching mower or electric chipper for a homemade mulch supply.
- Repurpose old containers by using them as planters.
Plant Selection
Lawn
- Choose drought-tolerant grass varieties suited to your climate to reduce water and resource needs.
- Plant a low-maintenance ground cover like clover or moss for areas where you don't really need a full lawn.
Garden
- Research which plants are indigenous to your local area and incorporate them into your garden design. They'll thrive without needing a lot of water or chemicals.
- Diversify by growing a wide assortment of flowers to create a haven for bees, butterflies, and other helpful pollinators while preventing disease outbreaks.
- Embrace edibles by filling beds with fruit, veggie, and herb varieties perfect for your climate; nothing beats homegrown, zero-mile produce.
- Consider unique heirlooms or lesser-known cultivars to spice up your garden while preserving genetic diversity.
Garden Design
Lawn
- Downsize your lawn to conserve water and resources.
Garden
- Use hedges, shrubs, or densely planted trees as a natural windbreak to protect your garden from harsh winds and lower your heating costs.
- For new homes, consider an eco-friendly green roof system covered with drought-resistant plants.
- When building raised flower beds or planting boxes, opt for untreated wood or wood certified by groups like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Plant Maintenance
Lawn
- Be careful not to overwater your lawn, which can create a cozy environment for plant diseases.
- In drought conditions, allow your lawn to go dormant rather than overwatering; it will come back once the drought ends.
Garden
- Encourage beneficial insects to provide natural pest control by planting diverse flowering plants and herbs.
- Learn to identify common fungal diseases like powdery mildew and take preventative measures like pruning for airflow rather than using fungicide sprays.
- Use compost, aged manure, or slow-release organic fertilizers to provide nutrients without excessive salt buildup or nutrient runoff.
- Rotate crop locations yearly and plant cover crops in vegetable gardens to replenish soil and disrupt pest/disease cycles.
This page was published by Chad Kremp
