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.

Shifting to Eco-Beneficial Gardening

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 offer food and shelter—whether living or decomposing—for local wildlife, playing a vital role in larger ecological corridors.
- Regenerative, sustainable, climate-smart attributes including sequestering carbon dioxide, natural water filtration and management.
You can read more ecological gardening tips here.
Questions to Consider First
- Does this (plant, product, item) belong in a garden?
- Will it contribute to the local eco-system?
- Is it herbicide and pesticide-free?
- Is this plant non-invasive?
- What is the environmental cost from cradle to grave?
- Where was the plant sourced?
- 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.
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 in the food chain.
- Keep it natural: sustainable gardens are not tidy. Dead and decaying things nourish living things.
You can read more ecological gardening tips here.
Invasive Species
Invasive Species Alert
Always check that any perennial plant you want to add to your garden is suited to your 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.
- Will not be too big for the space at mature size.
You can read more ecological gardening tips here.
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 the manufacturing & distribution processes, 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?
You can read more ecological gardening tips here.
Eco-Beneficial Gardening Books
I recommend these books because they get gardeners excited about ecological gardening and the incredible relationships between plants and animals. Our future is in our hands!



1 The Pollinator Victory Garden | Kim Eierman | Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening; Attract and Support Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, Bats, and Other Pollinators
2 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!
3 The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region | Rick Gray and Shaun Booth | Distills all the information essential for growing 150 species of garden-worthy native plants into a single, at-a-glance guide.



4 Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants | Doug Tallamy
5 Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds, & Other Animals that Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving | Frederique Lavoipierre
6 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
Read More
- 45 Ridiculously Simple & Helpful Eco-Beneficial Garden Tips
- 5 Good For The Earth (& You) Garden Resolutions
- What Does it Mean to “Garden Organically”? Oh. My. Word.
- 12 Smart Tips for Starting a Budget-Friendly Organic Garden
- 60 Plants Butterflies Must Have to Survive
- Want Lots of Pollinators? Grow a Diverse Selection of Plants
- Grow No Harm: How Gardeners Can Help Avoid Invasive Plants
- Welcome Bees—But Don’t Forget These Other Pollinators
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛