Tips For Transitioning Into Eco-Friendly Gardening

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Many of us started gardening before we ever understood the ecological impact of our choices. Little did we know how seemingly innocuous decisions like plant selections, soil amendments, or pest management can have very different outcomes, either helping or harming the environment. While one garden alone may not make a big impact, the cumulative effect of millions of us toiling away in our yards really adds up.

If you’re like me, the shift toward eco-beneficial gardening is an ongoing process. There’s always more to learn, research, debate, and decide. The ideas (below) share some principles to guide the way. It’s a work in progress but, I hope, steering things in the right direction.

A diverse selection of plants in a front yard garden.

Shifting to Eco-Beneficial Gardening

House with perennial garden filled with flowering plants.

This is not a competition! If the goal is to benefit the environment with our gardens, we need all hands on deck. But we’re not getting there through force, shaming, or coercion. I just think back to how I opened my eyes to environmental issues—and I learn more each day—and it surely did not happen by someone reprimanding me.

A few years ago I scoured research to learn how we can get our neighbors to accept eco-friendly garden choices. Turns out, people are far more accepting if they know, like, and trust you. No surprise, really. Kindness and caring do wonders to ease the fear of change or unconventional choices.

We are, admittedly, in quite a pickle right now with climate and pollution concerns. Like all big shifts, change will come through countless approaches. Protest. Legislation. Consumer demand. Responsible brands. Innovation. Resourcefulness. Community initiatives. Bylaw changes. A shift in thinking. The list goes on. Choose what resonates and go for it!

From my little patch of earth one thing I know for sure is, gardening is much easier when you put the earth first. Harmful choices are not an option—which instantly rules out a lot of common garden advice and popular products—and it shifts the focus from sweating the small stuff.

Ecological Garden Tips

Growing a Healthy Ecosystem

These tips and ideas are found throughout this website. They are prompts I use to help guide garden decisions regarding plant choices, pest problems, and more.

It’s a work in progress—I am always refining them as I learn more.

Is my garden part of a healthy ecosystem?

Here are some goals:

Healthy soil, air, and water free of pollutants, herbicides, and pesticides.
Plants that provide food and habitat for local wildlife as part of greater eco-corridors.
Regenerative, sustainable, climate-smart attributes including sequestering carbon dioxide and natural water filtration and management.

Questions to Ask Before We Act

Does this belong in a garden? Does it contribute to the eco-system?
Where was it produced? How far was it trucked?
Are there herbicides or pesticides in there?
Is this plant non-invasive?
Does it support local wildlife?
What is the environmental cost from cradle to grave?
What are the long-term effects? What else could it hurt or harm?

Regenerative Gardening

Another term gaining traction is regenerative gardening, which derives from regenerative agriculture and regenerative farming.

While there is no one official definition, this is the basic idea:

Regenerative gardening practices center around soil and water health, carbon sequestering (by plants), and biodiversity as keys to viable, sustainable eco-systems within our yards and beyond.

In practice, as regenerative gardeners, we protect and replenish our soil, grow a diverse selection of plants suited to the location and climate, and avoid harmful practices like use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Welcome Pollinators

Want Pollinators in Your Garden?

Choose plants, trees, and shrubs used by local wildlife for food and habitat during all stages of life. Options will be different in each growing region.
Avoid products like pesticides that are toxic to pollinators and other animals that rely on them.
Keep it natural: sustainable gardens are not tidy. Dead and decaying things nourish living things.

Invasive Species

Invasive species alert: always check that any plant you want to add to your garden is suited to plant hardiness zone and growing conditions, supports local wildlife, and is not considered an invasive species in your area.

Wait! Before You Plant…

Be sure any plants you choose:

Are recommended for your plant hardiness zone.
Are not invasive in your area.
Are suitable for your growing conditions including sun, soil, water, and wind.
Contribute to biodiversity by providing food, nectar, or habitat for wildlife.
Are not too big for the space available when they reach maturity.

Pest & Disease Management

Problem-Solving Tips for Ecological Gardeners

Dealing with possible pests or diseases

Is this really a long-term problem or simply part of the eco-system?
Never take action without understanding both the issue and the overall effects of any possible remedies.
What will happen if I leave it be?
Most problems resolve on their own with time. Many “pests” have natural predators—give them time to do what they do best. Many diseases come and go in gardens. What if you just let it be?
Will the remedy or solution cause other harm?
It’s rare that a product or solution does not cause residual harm either through manufacturing, use, or disposal. Hand-picking a multitude of snails may be fine. Poisoning insects that support wildlife and the ecosystem? Not so much.
Are there better uses for my time or money?
Are my garden choices contributing to a healthy ecosystem?

Eco-Beneficial Gardening Books

Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants | Doug Tallamy

Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds, & Other Animals that Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving | Frederique Lavoipierre

The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife (How to Create a Sustainable and Ethical Garden that Promotes Native Wildlife, Plants, and Biodiversity) | Nancy Lawson

The Pollinator Victory Garden | Kim Eierman

A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators: Ontario and Great Lakes Edition | Lorraine Johnson, Sheila Colla | All the information gardeners need to take action to support and protect pollinators, by creating habitat in yards and community spaces, on balconies and boulevards, everywhere!

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛