It’s early April, and we’re finally getting some consistent warmth here in Ohio (at least for the time being). As your yard continues to defrost, you might be tempted to exercise your green thumb. There’s no better place for that workout than your garden, as keeping and maintaining a garden is beneficial for both your body and mind. That’s why in 2019, the most fruitful gardening trends are rooted in sustainability and connectivity. To help beautify Ohio one backyard at a time, here are Spring’s most environmentally friendly gardening trends.
Nurturing Native Species
There’s no better way to show your Ohio pride than by filling your garden with native plants. Not only are native plants great for our local ecosystem, but they’re also easier to maintain and less time consuming than other more exotic options. Native Ohio plants and perennials are naturally hearty, as they are used to our unpredictable weather, and are perfectly capable of handling long periods with and without rain. That means you don’t have to worry much about managing watering, lighting, and temperatures. For local, low-maintenance options, visit our very own Ohio State University’s website for help finding native plants in your area!
Planting Pollinator Gardens
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Another rising trend, pollinator gardening focuses on attracting various pollinating animals and insects. Pollinator gardens are increasingly popular, as pollinator population decline has been a hot environmental topic in the media for some time. With forty percent of pollinating insects, particularly bees and butterflies, risking global extinction, gardeners are interested in cultivating native plants that specifically attract these pollinators. Using your garden to provide a pollinator habitat can be rewarding and fun. Get started with this list of plants that attract pollinators and learn more by reading Pollinators 101!
Photo by Stella de Smit on Unsplash
Producing Garden Produce
Growing fruits and vegetables aren’t new gardening trends by any means, but with increased consciousness about how our food is produced, many gardeners enjoy having a few items they can get from home. Not only is knowing more about your food beneficial, but gardening can help save money on groceries, and the pride from sustaining yourself on the literal fruits of your labor is priceless.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of space to grow fresh produce. In fact, finding ways to cultivate your own ingredients in limited space can be an enjoyable creative exercise. If you don’t have the room, consider planting a container garden of ornamental edibles, using pots and hanging/vertical planters, outside and inside your home. Just be sure to research the maintenance needs of everything before investing in a plant or purchasing seeds.
Indoor Gardening
Photo by Andre Guerra on Unsplash
While warmer weather is starting to take root, most of our Ohio climate is subject to colder temperatures (Too soon?) That, combined with our ever-increasing screen time, leaves little time left for outdoor enjoyment. If a backyard garden isn’t an option, there are plenty of ways to bring your landscapinginside. Not only can indoor plants liven up your living area, but they improve air quality, mental health, and fight off toxins!
Don’t let winter and urban life keep you from connecting with nature. By incorporating container gardens, living walls, some grow lights, and proper plant choices, you can bring plant life to even the darkest corner of your home. Interested in getting started? Check out this list of the 21 best indoor plants.
Giving Back with Gardens
As our culture grows more environmentally conscious, gardens are an opportunity for many people to become more environmentally friendly. By implementing gardening practices that produce little or no waste, such as upcycling, recycling, and composting, tentative gardeners can connect with their natural surroundings and give back to the environment.
People are also designing their gardens with wildlife in mind, as a way to help restore natural habitats. By redesigning their gardens and changing their plant selections, gardening can be a great way to provide better support for local wildlife. Some of the best ways to do this using natural ways to get rid of weeds and garden pests, and restrict the use of insecticides. Growing both berry and seed-producing plants, alternatives to invasive plants, and even making your garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat, are other great ways to give back.
With a societal calling to be more environmentally conscious, gardening is a great way for people to contribute using their existing space. The physical and mental health benefits of gardening are making it increasingly popular, and with so many ways to bring your greenery indoors, it’s easy to get involved. To help beautify Ohio and restore our natural ecosystem, try incorporating these gardening trends into your yard this spring, wherever it may be. For more gardening trends, educational content, and information on our products and professional services visit our website at sagamorecompanies.com, follow us on Facebook, and find us on Pinterest. Got a question? Call our experts directly at 330-656-5720 or send an inquiry through our website here.