Gardening Resolutions for the New Year
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Collapse ▲Jump into the new year with some gardening resolutions. You’ll improve your gardening skills and help our ecosystems, too.
1. Switch to organic fertilizer
Most gardeners know just how vital good fertilizers are. They help produce beautiful flowers in a flower garden and grow tasty veggies in a vegetable garden. Switching to organic gardening ensures you are not only feed the plant, but creating healthy soil. You can either purchase organic fertilizer or make your own at home with a compost bin.
2. Build a compost bin
Many compost bins are available online, but making one is easy with some material you might already have. Not only will composting reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill by allowing you to throw kitchen scraps in the bin instead of the garbage, but it also provides you with fresh, homemade compost for your flower or veggie garden.
3. Plant more flowers for pollinators
Not all pollinators like the same flowers. Research the native pollinators in your area and find out which plants are their favorites. Don’t leave out native milkweed, the host plant for the declining Monarch butterfly population. The Monarch larva exclusively feeds on the milkweed plant, making it a vital piece to their survival. Monarch butterflies are beautiful insects and will be a welcome sight in your garden.
4. Avoid pesticides and chemical weed killers
It’s understandable to want to keep your yard safe and looking clean. However, these products can be hazardous to beneficial insects and small animals. Many natural and less harmful products on the market will aid in the fight against pesky insects or annoying weeds. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach helps. IPM means taking care of plants to avoid pest problems and managing those pest
problems that do arise in a way that minimizes chemical use.
5. Plant a tree
Trees are one of the essential pieces of the global climate puzzle. They are also beautiful, provide welcome shade as they mature, and come in an almost endless number of sizes, colors, and shapes. For our coastal area, there are many native varieties to choose.
6. Hang a bird feeder
All you need is a shepherd’s hook, a bird feeder, and some birdseed. A bird feeder can be placed near a window for optimal viewing, but don’t put it too close or you’ll risk the birds flying into the glass and hurting themselves.
7. Improve water conservation
Mulch is your friend because it helps the moisture in the soil for your plants. Add a 2-3 inch layer wherever you have bare soil. And try choosing plants native to your region; they’re better able to thrive without a lot of extra watering and other pampering.
Article written by: Lisa Galizia, Master Gardener℠ volunteer in Carteret County