If you are starting to plan your garden, you have come to the right place! If you’ve ever tried gardening before, you know that a little planning can make for an easier start to gardening season. But there’s no harm in winging it either. There are so many exciting things that come with the start of gardening season, whether it’s your very first garden or if you’ve been doing this for years! Regardless of your level of experience or how detailed your blueprints are, if you’d like to make a more environmentally friendly and sustainable garden, follow these gardening tips.

Regrow your Kitchen Scraps

Some gardeners might start from seed, some might transplant, but did you know you can also grow many fruits and vegetables from your own kitchen scraps? Choose from organic produce, preferably ones that are locally grown. Produce from your local farmer’s market is the ideal place. Green onions will root and continue to grow by simply placing them in water. You can start new plants from pepper and strawberry seeds. The abandoned potatoes that started growing in the back of your pantry can be thrown right in the soil. Using your own kitchen scraps will save you money and create less waste! Find out more here.

Use Sustainable and Slow-release Plant Food

Eventually, your plants will need some fertilizer. Every garden needs a little boost! It’s time to do your research, and lucky for you, we pulled some helpful tips. Clean Water GROW has three plant food blends that will help whichever kind of garden you choose to grow: Tomato and Vegetable, Rose and Flower, or All-Purpose. GROW is a sustainable slow-release fertilizer. It is sustainably and locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest. Its slow-release properties minimize the risk of leaching into local streams and rivers and preserve sensitive local waterways. When you grow with GROW, you’re helping the local environment and your plants! Find out more here.

Use Natural and Organic Gardening Soil

Your garden will likely need some tilling at the beginning of the season. If you need some fresh soil, make sure to choose natural and organic gardening soil. The fewer unnatural additives the better. If you’re using GROW, opt-out of using soil packed with fertilizer, because you will already have the nutrients you need in just a tablespoon of Clean Water GROW.

Shop Local

Whether you’re buying seeds, starts, supplies, or soil, it’s always a good idea to shop local. It’s likely that your local shop will have supplies better catered to your environment. They will likely have a section where you can find local plants and flowers. Stop by and ask any questions while you’re shopping. Find a GROW-carrying PNW retailer near you here.

Collect Rainwater

Rainy climates have the advantage here, but if possible, collect rainwater to use for your plants. Plants, especially when summer hits, require lots of water to survive. Reusing water will help cut down on water use.

Use Mulch

Another way to save water is to use mulch on your soil and around your plants. Mulch will help contain moisture, which means you won’t have to pull out the hose as often. You can pick up a bag of mulch from your local nursery or gardening supply store. Make sure to buy natural and organic if you want to keep your garden green.

Make and use your own Compost

Compost helps give your plant extra nutrients. While you can purchase compost at the store, it’s just as easy and more sustainable to make your compost at home. Instead of throwing away your kitchen scraps or outdoor gardening scraps, save them! Common kitchen scraps that are especially beneficial for plants are eggshells, banana and orange peels, and coffee grounds. Stay away from composting waste like meat, dairy, and oils. At the start of gardening season, you’ll probably have some cleaning up to do, save those dried-up plants, and throw them in your compost bin. Mix in a healthy balance of compost to your soil for more natural nutrients.

Natural Pest Control

It’s inevitable that you’ll get some pests in your garden. They might come in the form of big furry creatures like raccoons or squirrels or mealybugs you can barely see with your own eye. There are many natural ways to help put these pests at bay. Try and stay away from store-bought products, or make sure they have ingredients you feel comfortable using. You can make bug sprays and pest deterrents with common household items. You can use other essential oils, soapy sprays, cinnamon, other bugs, and even other plants, plants to ward off unwanted creatures. Check it out here.

Reuse and Upcycle

You don’t need to go on a shopping spree to have a cute garden. Plant labels can be helpful in your garden, especially when your plants are small. You can easily find things in your home to upcycle into adorable labels. Try collecting old popsicle sticks, foraged sticks, broken pots, spoons, and more! If you are hoping to have some potted plants in your garden this year, check out your local thrift store or used marketplace to find some before buying something new. These tricks will save money and waste!

9 Tips to Grow a Sustainable Garden