Sustainable gardening tips

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There is no shortage of gardening methods, but for those interested in building a sustainable garden, try  permaculture.   Knowing the soil you want for your garden is important, said Becky Elder, director and founder of Pikes Peak Permaculture.

 Where does the sun shine? How does the sun move in the area? Where does the wind blow? Surveying the land is important in knowing where to plant what, experts say.Note whether the area is frequented by animals such as deer or coyotes, and what kinds of trees are on the property and where they are located. Notice what other plants are growing and if they are healthy.

 "All these  things inform your design and your planting, and it takes some time," Elder said. But again, patience is key.  Before diving in, it's good to understand what to do and why. And there is no shortage of resources.

 Gardening and permaculture lessons are available at local nurseries and garden stores and through special programs, Elder said. Books are also a good resource for starting a permaculture garden.

 "Any education you can get is great," Elder said. "Educate yourself about what you're doing."

 Place plants and materials in appropriate locations, Elder said. For example, if you plant herbs, be sure to put them near the door or  kitchen so you can take advantage of them, she said.

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 "Know why you plant it," said the elder. "Don't put your compost far out in the yard because you'll never get there."

 There are also different ways to build a garden that have unique advantages.  A keyhole garden is one of the permaculture techniques for growing food. It takes up less space, allowing the gardener to walk into the center, put down his tools and work in the garden from anywhere. The advantage of the keyhole is that it is a good place to put compost, Elder said.

 The grass spiral is another clever design, Elder said. The raised spiral garden gets  closer  to the center and  is perfect for accommodating plants with different needs as it offers a varied microclimate.

 "When you're ready to build, you'll have this coating that will retain the heat from the sun longer in the fall and retain the heat earlier into the spring," he said.

 In a place like Colorado, where the soil tends to be sandy, it's important to improve soil quality, Elder remarks "Soil feeds  plants, it's an incredible element," Elder said. "People don't always understand that soil is a living thing. When you water plants, you're actually watering the soil so that it reaches the plants."

 Elder recommends the lasagna method for improving soils rather than buying a bag from the lawn store. The lasagna method creates layers of compostable materials to create naturally  nutrient-rich soil.

 Sitting above the ground, you start the lasagna garden with cardboard and then continue  with materials such as manure, leaves, wood chips, shredded cardboard and other organic products. From there, remember to water. remarks

 "Your land will produce for you," he said. "You can make more soil and save the money you spend on buying soil so you can use our own landscape to create soil."

 The good news is that  soil can be built at any time of year—in fact, Elder recommends doing it in the fall or winter to get your garden ready for spring.

 In a permaculture garden, perennials play a key role. But that doesn't mean yearlings can't play a role. "Permaculture is based on perennials,"According to Elder.

 Perennials such as apple trees, cherry trees and berry bushes are perfect for a permaculture garden because as they grow, they produce continuously.

 "Once they start producing, they keep producing and producing and producing without you having to go out  and do it  again every year," he said.

 Herbs are also a staple food, whether they are used to flavor food or as medicine.

 

 Source: Joycely Marigold -Africa Home Building News