Most people don’t think about “going green” in the garden because of the obvious, it’s a well known fact that gardening is great for the earth! But people never take into consideration the lumber used to make beds, sheds, and tools, the petroleum based fertilizers, and the plastic containers plants are sold in. Believe it or not there is a better way to make a more earth friendly garden.
Here are 10 sustainable garden products for a more earth friendly garden!
1) CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator
This tool is inspired by an antique garden tool that was invented and manufactured in the U.S.A. You can use it to dig out weeds, create rows for planting seeds and dividing and transplanting plants. The handle for this tool is made from 100% post-industrial recycled polypropylene and the strengthening fibers are 100% post-consumer recycled wood or flax fiber. This can be purchased for just $25, and is named “the best tool in earth”.
2) Organic Soils
There are many organic soil choices on the market. One brand that is highly recommended is Organic Mechanics. People like that this line does not use peat, and can be purchased for $10 for a 16qt bag. Dr.Earth is another line of soil that has gotten high regards. This line does not leave out peat in their formula, but doesn’t use sewage sludge or chicken manure in their mix. Contrary to what people may think organic soils are not just for container gardens, but for raised beds and when planting directly into the ground too.
3) Water-wise Gardening
Runoff water is something that is very wasteful. The AquaFlower is a product that can help with this problem. It is made from 100% recycled water and soda bottle fibers and is designed to sit at the bottom of the pot. It keeps the soil in place in your container and conserves water by absorbing it. It then releases it back into the soil as it dries out. You can get a set of 2 for $6.00.
4) Bamboo Stakes
Every gardener should have some of these in their shed. Bamboo is a renewable product and is a great alternative to plastic and metal trellises and wooden stakes. You can make your own bamboo trellises to secure plants. These are available at hardware and garden centers.
5) Push Reel Mowers
Push reel mowers are not only environmentally friendly, but will give you a bit of a workout too. They are quieter than motorized mowers, and don’t give off nasty fumes to inhale. The Deluxe Light Push Reel Mower is an affordable mowers that is easy to set up and can be purchased for $200.
6) Recycled Plastic Raised Beds
These plastic railroad ties are not only more environmentally friendly than lumber. THey are more durable and last longer. Within a few years of a lumber built raised bed they begin to deteriorate. The one negative with the plastic railroad ties that community gardeners are using require special equipment to cut them the perfect size. Several companies started offering raised bed kits for home gardeners that are made from recycled plastic. These are easy to assemble and come in a variety of shapes and heights. They range in price from $100-500.
7) Worm Poop Fertilizers
If you don’t have time to devote to vermicomposting the next best thing is to buy fertilizers made from worm poop. The fertilizer containers are recycled from old milk jugs and soda bottles and can be found in garden centers nd hardware stores across the country. You can get the brand TerraCycle $6-15.
8) The Garden Broom
According to the owners, the only thing about the broom that is not sustainable is the sticker on the broom. The brooms bristles are harvested from the spines of coconut tree fronds that naturally fall to the ground. The twine that holds it all together is woven from coconut coir. This style of broom is sturdy and has been used in tropical countries for ages.
9) Recycled Kneeling Pad
These products are made in the U.S.A. from old tires in the Midwest. Traditional kneeling pads are made too small for an adult to fit comfortably, and are made from flimsy plastic of foam that don’t hold up to the abuse of the garden. The Tube Pad is made from truck tire inner tubes and are large enough for an adult to kneel on comfortably while digging in the garden. You can purchase one for $20.
10) Weed Blocking Fabric
Weeds are part of the garden, so you either have to live with them or do something to battle back. WeedBlock Natural is made from 50% Ingeo PLA fibers, derived from sustainable agricultural resources like corn, and a much more earth friendly weed blockers than plastic sheeting.
These are some of the changes that you can make in the garden to become even more “green”! Don’t wait, get started today! 🙂