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Eco Gardening Herbs and Other Plants
So, last time on Plants with Emmalie, we talked about creating a sustainable ecosystem all by yourself so you could occupy your time during this seemingly never ending quarantine. This is another way to keep your mind off things while getting in touch with the environment around you. So, let’s talk about eco gardening herbs and other plants.
What Is Eco Gardening?
Essentially, it’s the same as having a self-sustaining ecosystem but it‘s in the form of a garden. It’s a sustainable garden that is a reflection of your environment. To do this right, you have to consider the relationship between the soil, water, and plants. Just like building an ecosystem, this takes time. But let me review the main components and why they’re important.
What Do You Need For an Eco Garden?
Your Plant: It should be in optimal condition in the proximity of ally plants. You be following the growing instructions to keep it protected from outside attacks.
Choose A Species That Can Survive in Your Region: Not only will you have actual growing plants but if you consider where to put your plants, you’ll find that they’ll thrive in certain areas more than in others.
Nutrients: Don’t forget to give your plants nutrients. With nutrients, your plants will grow big and strong. They should be in the soil. You can do this by adding organic only fertilizer. I make my own fertilizer for better effect.
Pairs: Put plants that grow well together near each other in your garden. They’ll help each other grow and thrive.
Crop Rotation: This is especially true for seasonal plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It’s important to not grow the same plant family in the same place so prevent nutrient depletion. Pests can also find a host plant and multiply quickly if you don’t rotate.
Balance the Fauna: Encourage garden allies! This means getting a few birdhouses, nests, hummingbird feeders, etc. Do some research and find out what kind of animals can help pollinate and encourage them to come around.
Diversity: Grow a whole bunch of plants, be that fairy person. Be like Demeter and Persephone and GROW DIFFERENT PLANTS! You are essentially creating a larger version of a small contained ecosystem. Ecosystems needs lots of varieties. Just plant strategically.
Water Feature: My grandfather does this in his garden so he doesn’t have to worry so much about a watering schedule. This can also mean having a small pond for aquatic animals and plants. It creates the ever important diversity and variety.
Observe Your Garden: Get to know your garden. Watch the animals interact with the plants and watch your plants adjusting. This will allow you to get in touch with it and adjust things that need to be adjusted.
Take Preventative Measures: Do you see an invasive plant, animal, or insect? GET RID OF IT. However, don’t use pesticides. There are organic alternatives that will help.
Benefits of Having an Eco Garden
Aside from the gorgeousness that will come out of having an eco garden, there are several benefits to gardening like this.
Responsibility: This will teach you to take responsibility for several living things. Yes, it can be time consuming, but, when you see it thriving and continuing to grow you’ll be so proud of yourself and of your creation.
Creativity: Creating Your very own garden will spark your creative self. You can make this garden however you want it to be. You can do whatever you want as long as you know you can grow it. If you like building things, you can build the planters or birdhouses. Make it unique to you.
Stress Relief: This is a great way to relax and unwind. Touching something living and growing because of you is humbling.
Educate Yourself: Doing this requires a lot of research and prep but in doing so, you’ll learn more about the ecosystem in your region, botany, garden maintenance, and so much more. Personally, the most rewarding thing was learning about myself and reflecting
Beauty: These gardens can get so crazy beautiful. Seeing this accomplishment will not only make you happy but everyone who sees it too.
Bonding: If this is a project you’re doing during quarantine with your family, it’ll provide you with a great opportunity to learn about their skills, creativity, and ideas and vice versa.
Ingredients: The fresh vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits are going to give you ingredients for products and food in the freshest way possible.
Overall, creating a garden as big and sustainable as this is fun for several reasons. But more importantly, you’ll be helping the environment grow while giving our garden allies more things to pollinate. Mother Earth will love you and help you when you need her. So, now, go out and start your eco gardening journey. Be free Because you deserve it.
Eco Gardening Herbs and Plants was researched, written, and edited by Emmalie Roberts. For more articles, check out our blog page, here, and don't forget to follow us on social media, here, for daily tips, tricks, and reminders for your path to holistic health.