With so many things to do in a day and so much work to do in a week, you can easily get stressed out. While watching TV, going to your local café, or treating yourself to a day in the spa can easily replenish a tired mind and body, there are studies that suggest costless and healthier hobbies.
For one, the American Association of Retired Persons reported that gardening not only sharpens cognitive ability, it also lowers the risk of dementia and exposes you to a significant amount of healthy Vitamin D.
Moreover, the health benefits of gardening are not just limited to people aged 60 and above; they can be felt by all ages, and having it as a habit means an improved life in general. Of course, this especially applies if you use environmentally friendly materials and methods to maintain a garden.
So what are the things that you need to do in order to have a sustainable garden? Here are some easy tips that will turn beginners into green-thumbed veterans in no time:
- Plant perennial plants
Perennials are plants that are relatively easier to maintain and live for several years. When these grow, you can multiply the plant and make your garden grow without having to buy new seeds. Examples of perennial plants include common sage, oregano, or tomatoes.
- Keep seeds for the next planting
If you decide to have flowering plants in your garden, remember to store their dried seed heads in a cool and dry place over the winter. Come spring, you will have a new set of seeds to plant, without having to purchase a new pack of seeds again.
- Create your own compost
Composting is easy and can be done even in the smallest plot of land. It only takes a shovel, plant clippings or fruit and vegetable scraps from the kitchen to make your own. These make the soil naturally rich without the use of chemical fertilizers.
- Use organic mulch
A common enemy of gardeners is unwanted weeds. To keep weeds out of the garden, place about two to three inches of organic mulch like pine needles, grass clippings, or shredded coconut hulls around your plants. These keep the weeds from growing and even help in preserving soil moisture, and they are completely natural.
- Harvest rainwater
This is as easy as leaving a container under your house’s downspouts. Not only does this save tap water, rainwater is healthier for plants as well.
Taking sustainability home
Sustainability can also be brought to your home by using natural materials. You may use glass containers instead of plastic for storage or using natural water resistant flooring materials for your next renovation, and repurposing old furniture instead of throwing it out and buying new. There is also a trend for eco bags made of jute and canvas today.
Keeping a sustainable garden is one of the keys to a healthy life for the years to come, and, as the common saying goes, it only takes 30 days to make something a habit.
