What Does Climate Friendly Gardening Mean?

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There are plenty of ideas out there on how to garden in harmony with nature.  From eco-friendly garden design to companion planting, there are lots of ways to enjoy your garden but also help the environment.  One of the overarching ideas is that of climate friendly gardening – but what does it mean and how do you decide what to grow?

What is climate friendly gardening?

Climate friendly gardening is aimed at reducing emissions from greenhouse gases that are produced by gardens while encouraging the absorption of carbon dioxide by plants, trees and even the soi.  The overall aim is to help the fight against global warming.

A climate friendly gardener thinks about the way they garden, what they grow and also what materials they bring into the garden as well as the impact their gardening has on land use and the climate.

What are greenhouse gases?

We hear a lot of talk about greenhouse gases but it is worth taking a moment to understand what they are and why they are such a problem.

While about 66% of greenhouse gases are attributed to fossil fuels and cement production, the rest is caused by human use of land. Greenhouse gases are made up of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and black carbon. 

So how can the climate-friendly gardener reduce greenhouse gases?

Carbon Dioxide 

The way gardeners cause extra carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere happens due to not considering the habitats they’re destroying, or the unnatural cultivation of the soil using fuel-based fertilizers and chemical pesticides. 

• Peat moss – Stop using peat moss or any compost that contains peat because it’s damaging to the environment. 
• Renewable sources – Use renewable sources for building materials, such as bamboo.
• Cover your soil – Don’t leave your soil naked between growing; use a cover plant that adds the right nutrients to your soil. 
• Use human power – Avoid gas and instead use gardening tools that are human or electric powered. 
• Use rainwater – Avoid watering your garden with tap water; instead, use rainwater catchment.

Methane

This is of more concern to animal farmers than gardeners, but methane production can be greatly eliminated by:

• Keeping soil aerated
• Keeping compost heaps turned and moist
• Getting rid of weeds properly through hand digging or natural competition
• Keeping ponds aerobic

By doing the above, you’ll reduce the production of methane within the ecosystem of your garden, keeping it at more natural levels.

Nitrous Oxide

Gardeners cause too much nitrous oxide to get into the atmosphere from gardening practices such as by using synthetic fertilizers, working in the garden when the soil is wet causing the soil to compact, and burning garden waste. 

You can cut down on this by using natural practices instead, for example by using the right plants such as legumes as cover plants to increase soil nitrogen and so forth.

Black Carbon

While this is not a gas, it does behave as if it’s a greenhouse gas because it absorbs heat. 

You can cut down on this problem by not burning weeds – or at least not burning them while they’re wet. Black carbon is also produced by transporting garden products to chain stores. Try buying locally to cut down on black carbon.

What to Grow in Your Climate-Friendly Garden 

What you plant in your climate-friendly garden depends on many factors that you’ll need to know and consider before choosing the plants that you’re going to grow. 

Go by Your Climate Zone

Before you even plan a garden, you need to know your climate zone.  Here in the UK, things are simple as the country is largely the same growing zone with a few differences in seasonal extremes. 

In the USA, you can find your zone by using the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) map. In Canada, you can use Natural Resources Canada to find your hardiness zones. 

Understand Your Area 

Once you know what zone you’re in, you need to read up on the zone to know what plants work well in your area. The more you understand about your local area, the better you’ll do choosing the right plants. Plus, get to know your own land. Find out what plants are already growing naturally.

Talk to Other Gardeners 

One way to really succeed with a climate-friendly garden is to talk to other gardeners in your area who are using these practices. You may even be able to find a professional to help you get started. The first couple of years of your climate-friendly garden is very important and can be helped by professionals. 

Use Native Plants 

The best way you can make your garden more climate-friendly is to use native plants. What plants have a history of growing in your area and are considered native to the area? How can those plants work for you and serve your garden? When you plant native plants, they are ready for the environment. 

Avoid Lawns 

Instead of planting grass lawns, consider using native ground covers that will look just as beautiful and require less care. Grass takes a lot of water to keep it healthy, as well as a lot of labour that can best be used elsewhere.

Buy Younger Healthier Plants 

When you buy plants, go for the younger and healthiest plants that your local nurseries offer. Ask your local garden shop where they got the plants and what their gardening practices are to be on the safe side.

Use Container Gardening 

One way to help your garden is to also use some containers made from bamboo and other sustainable or recycled containers. Then you can move these containers to safe places if the weather is bad.

Plant Fruit Trees 

One way to affect the climate in your garden is to plant trees. Planting fruit trees does double duty to provide fruit and cover, which can shade super-hot areas of your garden and protect less hardy plants. 

Don’t Overwater 

Another key for any plants that you take care of in your garden is to avoid overwatering. That means that you should use hardy, drought-resistant plants that are native to your area so that you can water less.

Get those climate friendly gardening practices going

Use climate-friendly gardening practices such as planting strategically, weeding properly, keeping soil healthy, and moist without fossil fuels and more. 

When you can do something naturally to control the environment such as planting shade trees or building water features by catching rainwater, or strategic placement of wildlife attracting plants, you’re going to have a healthier garden plus not contribute to greenhouse gases. 

Growing a climate-friendly garden will not only help you save your little area of paradise from being an addition to global climate change, but it will also change the climate for the better in your garden. 

Grow plants native to your area, meant for your climate, and don’t use unnatural methods to encourage growth. In this way, you’ll have plants in abundance that are healthier for you and everyone else too.