Environmental Tips for Individuals: Your Garden

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Your Garden

Create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat

As people take over more and more of the land, we need to provide food, water, and shelter to the animals that are now relying on us for their survival.

• Backyard Wildlife Habitat: A backyard wildlife habitat or "naturescape" can be created in your own backyard. A miniature version can even be created on your patio or deck. Basic elements include fresh water (i.e., a bird bath and, if in a yard, water low to the ground); plants and feeders that provide nourishment for birds, insects, etc.; and rocks, trees, bushes and/or bird houses for shelter and nesting. Purchase plants that are native to your area. The National Wildlife Federation has an excellent program: The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program which provides some helpful, detailed examples.
• Attracting Animals: Learn how to attract:
  • Hummingbirds
  • Butterflies
  • Birds
• Resources: How to Naturescape provides inspiration and information on switching to native plants.
• Books: Books on backyard wildlife habitat.

Gardening Tips

• Organic Gardening: Go organic!! - here are some basics. Also check out books on organic gardening.
• Native Garden: Learn about creating a Native Garden from eNature. Get to know the specific ecosystem your home is located in (e.g., Oak Woodland, Grasslands) and select plants native to this ecosystem.
• Xeriscape: Tips on how to grow an environmentally friendly lawn can be found at the Xeriscape.
• Climate-Friendly Gardens: Learn about becoming a climate-friendly gardener from UCS.
• Rain Garden: Create a rain garden on your property to reduce runoff into storm drains.
• Veggies in Containers: Tips on growing great vegetables in containers.
• Window Farms: Innovative way to grow food from recycled containers hanging in windows.
• Composting: Composting provides important nutrients for your organic garden. Learn more at Wikipedia's Compost page.
• Free Dirt Exchange: Find free soil in your area for your landscaping project or garden through Tons of Dirt.
• Worm Composting: Learn about worm composting (vermiculture) at Earthworm FAQ.
• Mulching: Mulching mowers are available which will convert cut grass into a natural fertilizer.
• Carbon Debt: Work off your carbon dioxide "debt" by planting trees! Find out how much you need to work off with the Climate Change Calculator.
• Pesticides: Learn about current toxicity and regulatory information for pesticides in the PAN Pesticide Database.
• Resources: Links to great sites on everything from worm composting (vermiculture) to organic farming can be found at Useful Links.