Seven Small Sustainable Garden Tips

If you have a tiny yard and would like a simple but well-maintained garden, you only need two things - determination and know-how.  Here are some tips on how to keep your small sustainable garden looking spruced up and glamorous.

Image by Chiot's Run via Flickr1. Deadhead.
Keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flower heads will encourage the plants to produce more blooms for longer. Many perennials such as geraniums and dahlias, and some annuals, benefit from having spent blooms removed.

3. Pinch out tops.
Certain plants - especially foliage plants like Coleus - respond with a spurt of growth when their tops are pinched out. Pinching out makes the plant much bushier and so more blooms are produced. Fuchsias are prone to becoming leggy unless they are pinched out.

4. Fertilize lightly.
A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. (However, too much can minimize fruiting of your vegetables, as the energy will be directed into the foliage rather than the fruits, so hold off on fertilizing, or reduce the amount, once plants become ready to start setting fruits.) If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion. A fortnightly application of liquid fertilizer is sometimes more beneficial than granules as it is more readily absorbed by the leaves. Container plants will be considerably healthier with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer applied regularly.

5. Weed out.
This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your small garden.  Remember, weeds compete with your plants for both nutrients and moisture. If the weeds are not close to seeding, leave them on the bed to rot down for mulch. This will add nutrients back to the soil, and also provide a cover to prevent future weeds from springing up, so it's a great tip for your sustainable garden.

Image by Cpt. Obvious via Flickr6. Water well.
One good tip when it comes to watering your garden is to give it a thorough soaking once a week (while making sure there is no run-off to cause erosion). Deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots that will be able to withstand dry spells weatherwise. Watering more frequently and shallowly will lead to shallow roots which constantly need to be watered, so it's a vicious cycle. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is a great way to do this (see below, or visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html for some resources).

7. Say NO to chemicals.
Chemicals are dangerous to humans and animals, pollute the soil and groundwater, and and often kill the natural predators of the pests in your garden, so avoid them if at all possible. There are many organic alternatives that work just as well. (For some organic and natural suggestions, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html.)

With these simple tips, your small garden will soon be the envy of your neighbors.

A Few Small Garden Resources: