How green does your garden grow?

The arrival of spring marks the beginning of gardening season for many Toronto residents, but just because your garden is full of green plants doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. A “green” and healthy garden requires the use of natural fertilizer and pest control, the introduction of native plant species and smart watering habits. We’re put together a few tips to help you grow green in your garden this year.

Recycle your kitchen scraps into natural compost
Now that the cosmetic use of pesticides on residential lawns and gardens has been officially banned in our province, learn how to turn leftover kitchen scraps into natural and nutrient-rich compost. Compost isn’t called “gardener’s gold” for nothing - the wide range of nutrients it provides are essential to plant growth. Check out the Composting Council of Canada website to learn about composting and how to create your one in your backyard.

Use organic pesticides
Got a pest problem? Don’t reach for the Raid. Any chemical you use will eventually affect the environment - and your family’s health. Use natural alternatives like baking soda and mild detergents to control weeds and pests in your garden. Check out the City of Toronto’s tips for natural lawn and garden care and learn more about natural control for weeds and pests.

Plant native species
Plant species native to Toronto are already adapted to local conditions and easy to grow and maintain. In addition to the benefits of lower cost and maintenance, going native can also help sustain local ecosystems. To find out what species are natural to your area, search Evergreen’s Native Plant Database or visit the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) website. The High Park Volunteer Stewardship Program is holding its annual spring native plant sale on Sunday, May 4, at 10:30am in the High Park greenhouses, and on Saturday, May 4, from 10am - 4pm, the NANPS will host its own annual sale at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham.

Harvest water in a rainbarrel
Don’t let stormwater go to waste. Rainbarrels are storage tanks for holding stormwater from your home’s eavestroughs. Disconnect your downspouts and collect excess water to use when needed. Rainwater is oxygenated and unchlorinated (chlorine is bad for soil bacteria), which makes it good for plants and safer for the environment. Rainbarrels range in price and are available at hardware stores, Envirolet and Canadian Tire.

Practice smart watering habits
Watering in the morning means your lawn will lose less moisture to evaporation. Experts say you need only 2.5 cm of water a week, including rainfall, for a healthy lawn. Adding mulch and compost to your soil will help it retain water and cut down evaporation. Invest in a soaker hose or drip irrigation system: they use 50 percent of the water used by sprinklers.

Use muscle instead of machines
Garden equipment engines like lawnmowers, leaf blowers and weed whackers emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, gas-powered lawn equipment releases about 80,000 tonnes of emission in Canada every year. Looking to trade for a more eco-friendly option? Mow Down Pollution and Home Depot Canada have teamed up to make it easier mow green. Until April 27, you can drop off your gas-powered mower for recycling at any Home Depot location and receive an instant $100 rebate on the purchase of a new push-reel, electric, rechargeable or low-emission mower or trimmer. And while you’re there, invest in a good rake. It’s better for your health - and that of the planet.

Whether you’ve got an acre or 5 square feet of patio, make an effort to grow green in your garden. The birds, the bees, and your friends and family will thank you.