The weather is warming up, it’s time to get outside and get your garden ready for the spring. As more and more people are becoming climate conscious and focused on helping the environment, there is more interest in sustainable gardening practices that will enhance your garden and cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants.
Before you get started, make sure you have the best equipment, tools, and most important purchase quality plants. At Rumar Farm we only use organic seeds and add barrel compost to our organic potting mix for strong heathy plants.
Create a compost system
Composting is a natural process of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. It’s a great way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while also providing plants with essential nutrients.
Consider companion planting and crop rotation
Rotating your crops each year and companion planting are two ways to help your garden thrive in an eco-friendly way. Crop rotation helps prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases, both factors that can lead to plants dying and soil losing its nutrients. Another tip is to start companion planting where you plant different plants in proximity to one another. There are many benefits to companion planting, as it can “help improve nutrient uptake, deter pests and increase pollination”, while also reducing the use of unnatural pest control measures and maximising your garden space.
Once you’ve planted your garden, give it a generous mulching. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around your plants will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also helps add nutrients to soil and reduces soil erosion.
Collect rainwater for irrigation
During spring and summer, your garden needs more water to deal with the hot temperatures. But the constant watering can be wasteful and rack up your water bills. Instead, collect rainwater in barrels or other containers, as it’s a free, natural resource that can help you conserve water. Additionally, rainwater is free from chemicals found in tap water, making it healthier for your plants.
Visit our website at www.rumarfarm.ca to find a wide variety of vegetables and herbs for a healthy, greener sustainable garden.