Gardening How it Helps the Environment

It can be easy to think of gardening simply as a hobby to pass the time, or to simply beautify the home. But, as it turns out, gardening can have powerful benefits that go far beyond what meets the eye. Not only can gardening act as a mindful activity like meditation that can improve both physical and mental health, but it can also help to make the environment more sustainable and healthier. Here, we'll explore why gardening helps the environment, and some of the great benefits associated with it.

Features

Gardening is not just an enjoyable activity it's actually beneficial for the environment. Here are some of the features that make gardening one of the best eco-friendly activities that can be carried out.

• Gardening increases biodiversity - By using plants in a garden to provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife, biodiversity is increased.
• Gardening also helps to reduce air pollution - As plants photosynthesise, they produce oxygen which helps to clean the air of harmful pollutants.
• Gardening reduces energy consumption - Growing vegetables instead of buying them helps to reduce energy consumption and the release for carbon dioxide.
• Gardening helps to reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise go to landfill -As organic matter like grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable peelings can be composted and turned into fertile soil, these materials no longer need to be shipped off to landfill.
• Gardening helps to keep water supplies and rivers clean - Plants in a garden help to absorb rainfall, and prevent the surface water from gathering and running straight off, which can help to reduce flooding as well as the harmful chemicals that might otherwise enter rivers.

Benefits

As well as the environmental benefits, with the help of gardening, there are many other benefits to be had. Here are some of the more sizeable ones.

• Gardening is a great way to stay active - gardening does not just benefit the environment, but the gardener, too! Gardening can help to improve physical health and fitness, as it can involve activities such as mowing, digging, weeding and carrying bags can all help to get a good workout, while having a calming effect on the mind.
• Gardening can teach children valuable lessons - by having children tend to a garden, they can learn all about the environment and the need for conservation. In addition to this, gardening can teach different sciences such as biology and geology, as well as valuable skills, such as observation and organizational skills.
• Gardening can be cost-effective - along with the environmental benefits of growing vegetables, gardening can also save a lot of money, as growing vegetables can cost a fraction of the price of buying them.

Pros and Cons

Gardening can certainly have some great advantages, but it is also important to understand the potential drawbacks before starting a garden.

Pros

• Gardening can reduce stress levels - In a world filled with stress and anxiety, gardening can provide an escape from the daily routine. As gardening can involve activities such as cleaning and pruning, it can be a great way to relax and de-stress.
• Gardening helps to promote better mental health - the repetitious nature of gardening can help to focus your mind, and can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Gardening can lift your mood - tending to plants can also be a great feeling, and being surrounded by nature can help to lift your mood.
• Gardening can bring people together - with a garden, people can come together and share ideas, while helping to build relationships that go beyond the garden.

Cons

• Gardening can be labour-intensive gardening requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and time to tend to plants and reap the rewards.
• Gardening can be costly - having a successful garden often requires tools, a greenhouse, soil, and plants, which can be expensive depending on the size of the garden and the type of plants used.
• Gardening can be time-consuming - gardening often involves tasks such as weeding, harvesting, pruning, fertilizing, and watering, which can take a lot of time.
• Gardening requires a certain level of expertise - if you are not familiar with gardening, it can be difficult to start a successful garden. It is important to know a range of skills, such as knowing when to water, how to prune plants and how to tackle problems such as pests and weeds.

Case Studies

To understand how gardening can help the environment, let's look at two case studies that demonstrate the positive effects that gardening can have on the natural environment.

City Gardens

In 2015, volunteers and the city of Seattle united to create a shared garden in the city. The project aimed to create a public garden that enhances the local environment and brings people together. The garden includes a variety of plants that help to promote biodiversity, while a low fence and plantings were designed to increase safety. The project has been a huge success, not only creating a beautiful garden, but also a sense of community around it. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can now enjoy the garden, and it helps to beautify and reduce the environmental impact of the city.

Gardens at Schools

In 2011, a school in Connecticut decided to create a garden in the school grounds, led by students. The garden consisted of a variety of native plants that attract birds and pollinators, while also reducing the amount of nitrate runoff that enters the watershed. The students also help create a comprehensive curriculum, and have implemented a number of classes and activities to help educate students about gardening and their benefits. The project was a great success, not only bringing beauty to the school and have an environmental impact, but also helping to educate, inspire, and spark the imaginations of the students.

FAQ's

When starting a garden, it is important to understand the answers to some common questions about gardening. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about gardening and the environment:

Q: What can I do to reduce my environmental impact when gardening?

A: There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your environmental impact when gardening. Firstly, you should choose native plants that are suitable for your location and climate. Secondly, try to use natural fertilizers and soil amendments, such as compost, to promote healthy growth. Thirdly, mulch and prune regularly to help reduce water loss, and lastly, use organic pest control methods to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Q: What are the benefits of using native plants in my garden?

A: Native plants are well-adapted to the local environment, and can provide a range of benefits, including increased water conservation due to their deep root systems and better soil aeration. They can also help to encourage local wildlife, as they are food sources for native birds and pollinators. Additionally, native plants are often hardier and require less maintenance than non-native plants.

Q: Is gardening good for the environment?

A: Yes, gardening can have a positive effect on the environment. It can help to reduce air pollution, increase biodiversity, reduce energy consumption, and help to keep water supplies and rivers clean. Gardening can also help to reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise go to landfill and can save you money in the long run, as growing vegetables can cost a fraction of the price of buying them.

Mistakes People Make

Although gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, there can be some pitfalls that can end up having a negative effect on the environment. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when gardening.

• Not selecting the right plants for the environment and climate - When growing plants, it is important to choose plants that suit the environment and climate of the area.
• Using harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers - Pesticides and fertilizers can damage the environment, and can be toxic for wildlife. It is important to use natural and organic products instead.
• Excessive watering - Over-watering can lead to leaching, which can contaminate local waterways, and can also reduce the oxygen levels in the soil, affecting the growth of plants.
• Using too much mulch - Too much mulch can create a layer on the surface that prevents water from getting through. It is important to use mulch sparingly and lay it out evenly.
• Not considering the environment when gardening - Gardening can be an enjoyable activity, but it is important to consider the environmental impact of the garden.

Best Practices

To make sure that a garden is sustainable and has a positive impact on the environment, here are a few practices that should be followed.

• Choose plants that are suited to the climate and environment - native plants are often the best choice of plants for a garden, as they are better adapted to a local climate and environment.
• Use natural and organic products - when using fertilizers or pest-control products, use natural and organic products.
• Create a compost bin or pile - composting is a great way to reduce the waste that would otherwise go to landfill, and to create fertile soil for the garden.
• Ensure that mulch is applied evenly - mulch helps to preserve soil moisture and suppress weeds, but too much can prevent water from getting through.
• Reduce water usage - try to use water sparingly, as excessive watering can lead to leaching, which can contaminate local waterways.

Summary

Gardening can be an enjoyable activity that can have a positive impact on the environment. From increasing biodiversity to reducing air pollution and energy consumption, there are many benefits to gardening that can help protect and nurture the environment. However, it is important to avoid making common mistakes and to use natural and organic products in order to make sure that a garden is sustainable. Gardening is a great way to stay active and healthy, as well as being a fun way to bring people together and promote better mental health.

Final Notes

Gardening can have a huge impact on the environment. By understanding some of the features, benefits, pros and cons, case studies, FAQs, mistakes to avoid, and best practices associated with gardening, it can help to ensure that a garden is sustainable and has a positive impact on the natural environment.