Steer clear of chemicals
Never use chemical fertilizers, insecticides or other pesticides. Most if not all gardening problems can be solved without the use of chemicals, which sometimes make gardening more difficult. Chemicals seep into ground water, are absorbed by some fruits and vegetables and cause harm to the surrounding wildlife.
Capture the rain
If you’re able, use large buckets or cisterns to capture the rain water flowing from your home’s gutters. Instead of using the chlorine-laden water from the city, use naturally-falling water to quench your garden’s thirst.
Get a headstart
Start growing small seedlings in planters inside your home before the April 15 frost date. Once the traditional planting season rolls around, take your seedlings outside.
Shop local
If you don’t have the time to plant during the short days of winter, shop organically at your local farmer’s market. Support your local farmers and economy and healthy living at the same time!
Organic eggs and meat
Shop for organic eggs and meat, which taste better and are more healthy for you. According to Dr. Lisa Griffin and partner Carrie Gault, organic eggs contain less cholesterol than the alternative.
Garden planning
Plant a variety of different plants including perennials. Plan your garden in advance and don’t place plants in the same space they occupied last season. Rotating planting locations within your garden will increase the shelf-life of the soil you’re working with and ensure essential nutrients are left in the soil for planting seasons to come.
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