Top Tips for Transitioning to Sustainable Horticulture

Ditch Synthetic Products

Synthetic products, including fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides, cause a number of problems in the garden. Synthetic fertilizers contribute to pest problems by promoting weak, lush growth that is attractive to insects that feed on plants. These products also disrupt soil biology and decrease soil carbon, among other impacts. Insecticides harm not only target pest species, but also kill beneficial species that help manage pests naturally and many of which serve as important pollinators. Many synthetic herbicides are potentially hazardous to human health and may impact soil biology. Adopting sustainable practices makes the use of these harmful products completely unnecessary.

Select Plants to Create Habitat

A proper selection of plants attracts insects, birds and other wildlife, kick-starting robust ecology that benefits garden health. Plants that provide pollen and nectar draw in predatory insects (those that feed on other insects, including pests), as well as pollinator species, including butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. These organisms are the base of the food chain – their presence brings in birds and other critters. A diverse abundance of organisms keeps populations in balance, eliminating the need for pesticides.

For the installation of new landscapes, try to plant with at least 1/3 plants native to your area, both annuals and perennials, to provide the types of pollen and nectar that native insects have evolved to survive on; 1/3 popular exotic plants that attract insects; and 1/3 favorite exotic plants regardless of their habitat potential, as the other two-thirds will provide enough habitat. This plan provides an ideal minimum amount of habitat while still leaving space for your favorite ornamentals – if you’d like to go 100% native, there’s no harm in that. Specific plant recommendations will depend on your location.

Build Healthy Soil

Plant health is dependent on soil health. The community of organisms that live within the soil (“the soil food web”) aid in disease suppression and improve soil fertility and structure. Improved soil structure increases water infiltration and holding capacity, reducing irrigation needs. You can support soil biology by incorporating organic matter into the soil through the use of organic fertilizer, compost, compost tea, and mulch. This organic matter is food for organisms which cycle nutrients through the soil ecosystem. Keep in mind that what constitutes ideal soil conditions will vary depending on your plant selection.

Understand Plant Needs and Garden Conditions

Plants have widely varying needs in terms of soil, nutrients, light, temperature, water, and space. A one size fits all approach to plant care won’t work. Understanding the needs of the plants in your garden is a critical step in sustainable horticulture, otherwise you will be met with poor growth, pests, and disease. Growing a plant in the wrong conditions will be an uphill battle. Learn about the conditions in your garden and select plants that are compatible with those conditions. If a plant in your garden is suffering, consider whether the growing conditions might be the cause.

Commit to Sustainable Practices.

As much as your circumstances allow, go “all in” from the start. Don’t pick and choose which sustainable practices to adopt. When used together, these practices provide overlapping benefits. Ignoring any of them will result in setbacks. As your garden transitions, there will be an adjustment period during which the system works towards equilibrium. Many problems will go away, while others might temporarily get worse. Don’t panic and give into synthetic products if an issue arises. Imbalances will sort themselves out in time. The sooner that you fully adopt sustainable practices, the sooner you will see the results. Everyone has the ability to succeed in creating a sustainable garden.