3 On Your Side: Green Gardening Advice
by Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We've got a beautiful weekend on tap so for many of us that means it's time to get outdoors and start thinking about your lawn and garden. Before you start digging and planting, 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan finds that going green in your yard or garden isn't just good for the environment, it can be good for your household budget too.
When gardening this year, try some of these suggestions from the experts at the EPA and the National Gardening Association. First, start a compost pile. Food scraps can breakdown into organic nutrient-rich matter that will turn ordinary soil into a gardener's dream. You won't need to buy as much fertilizer, cutting down on your costs and the chemicals you introduce into the environment.
Then, be a conscientious waterer. You don't want to drench your lawn and garden. It's not good for the plants, and it's not good for your water bill. Water early in the morning to prevent too much evaporation. You can collect rain water runoff, or redirect downspouts into your garden or a retaining area.
Grow your own food. Homegrown fruits, veggies and herbs won't just save you money on your grocery bill. They will also cut down on your carbon footprint because you won't be buying goods that took a long gasoline-fueled trip to your local grocery store.
Finally, make it a community project. Getting neighbors involved to beautify and landscape communal areas will make for a more pleasant living environment and could boost your home's curb appeal to prospective buyers.
For more information from the National Gardening Association and the EPA, including how-to videos, visit the links below:
