Tips for Growing an Eco Friendly Garden  

For thousands of years, people have enjoyed homegrown fruits and vegetables.  Throughout time, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides have been used to control pests and disease.  However, prior to the 20^th century, dangers associated with chemicals were unknown.  Then during the 1950s and 1960s, chemists made an alarming discovery – the very products used to protect gardens from pests and disease were not just harmful but also potentially lethal. 

This news began to seep out to the public, which prompted a growing interest in the eco friendly garden.  However, organic gardening as we know it today has a huge connection to a British man by the name of Sir Albert Howard, a well-respected botanist.  Learning about chemicals and health risks coupled with his knowledge of plants, he developed the first organic garden, documenting and sharing the methods used. 

Following Howard’s lead, a German man named Rudolf Steiner developed the first commercial farming operations based on the organic or eco friendly concept.  This business was founded on a very specific concept that farmers, plants, land, and organisms all had to have a relationship.  Throughout the 20^th century, other farmers and botanists developed new eco friendly methods, most that are still used today. 

Today, interest in eco friendly gardening has exploded, which could involve a full-size outdoor garden or herbs and small plants grown in a container indoors.  In both instances, the garden is cared for without any chemicals whatsoever, instead using natural ingredients and remedies.  As a result, the eco friendly garden is healthier for humans and animals, but also the environment.  Additionally, food grown in an organic garden tastes better. 

For anyone interested in creating an eco friendly garden, the first step is to decide the types of foods to grow.  All types of fruits and vegetables thrive in an organic gardening such as tomatoes, carrots, beans, onions, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, etc.  Once the decision is made, the goal is to find organically grown seeds or starters.   

For soil, it is important that it is airy and nutritionally balanced.  To give soil a boost, organic compost would be ideal.  To test soil prior to putting plants in the ground and for ongoing maintenance of the eco friendly garden, an inexpensive kit can be purchased at gardening centers that would reveal pH levels. 

After the fruits and vegetables are planted, companion plants can be added, which work as natural pesticides.  For instance, creating a border of scented Marigolds helps with keeping many pests out to include deer and rabbits.  Another great companion plant for an eco friendly garden is Nasturtiums, especially when growing squash and cucumber.  This plant is a natural insect repellent that helps with all types of insects such as aphids. 

In addition to using plants, the market now offers a wide range of natural or eco friendly products.  However, it is important to purchase from a reputable company and people need to read the labels to make sure the ingredients are in fact 100% natural.  Finally, people should consider creating a compost pile, which consists of food scraps, grass clippings, dog waste, old newspapers, and other items that create good bacteria perfect for growing a healthy and strong eco friendly garden.