4. Composting
It’s not called “gardener’s gold” for nothing. Compost keeps kitchen leftovers out of landfills and enriches soil with much-needed nutrients. Not only does it reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, but compost also improves drainage, water retention and soil texture. Veggie and fruit scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, shredded newspaper, dry leaves and untreated grass clippings are all fair game.
5. Grow To Be Wild
Trade in the mower for some mulch. Take a corner of your lawn and replace it with a bed of pretty native plants or mulch that can be used to anchor a kids play set. Plant a fairy garden full of frilly ferns in an area that receives a lot of shade, or try a rain garden in a low-lying spot of waterlogged lawn. Living in the desert? Use cactus and stone to build a water-efficient xeriscape.
6. Roll Out The Red Carpet To Pollinators
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, pollinators such as honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds help pollinate 75 percent of our flowering plants and nearly 75 percent of our crops. There is increasing evidence that many of these vital pollinators are in decline. Planting a garden that includes plants that flower at different times of the year will provide nectar and pollen sources for pollinators throughout the growing season.