April is the time for garden planning, despite the prolonged winter we have been experiencing here in Iowa.
Growing up on the family farm in Little Turkey, IA, my family and I were fortunate to have the yard space for a garden. Although as a youngster I despised the summer chore of pulling weeds, the sight of the produce lined up on the kitchen counter for canning was always rewarding. Now, as a college student, I greatly appreciate the surplus produce which allows me to save on grocery costs year-round.
There are many choices to make when planning and tending a garden. As a supporter of conservation efforts, my father employed sustainable practices when working in our garden. By avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides my family decreases the amount of runoff that pollute the nearby Turkey River, a tributary to the Mississippi River. Here are three low to no cost sustainable gardening techniques anyone can use!
1) Rain barrels
Collecting rain water to use on the lawn and garden not only lowers water usage but is also healthier for the plants. Tap water often contains inorganic ions and fluoride compounds, which can harm plant roots and beneficial microorganisms found in the soil.
2) Composting
Composting is a natural and environmentally friendly way to improve the health of soil. Nutrients found in compost are often absent in synthetic fertilizers and are also released at a slower rate, meaning the nutrient content of the soil will be improved for longer periods of time.
3) Mulching & Weeding
Mulching limits the sunlight available for weeds to grow. Unfortunately, vigorous weeds will be able to grow through the mulch, so some weeding will be necessary. Taking time to weed the garden is a necessary evil to endure to maximize the number of nutrients allotted to the desired plants. However, some gardeners might prefer to make use of a local company that can do this job for them. For example, looking for a company similar to https://www.lawncare.net/service-areas/georgia/ would probably be a good idea. By getting this job done professionally, gardeners can ensure their gardens are free of weeds, allowing the plants to grow happily.
Making these sorts of efforts are only a drop in the bucket for solving the issues troubling the health of the river. But if everyone one embraced this example of the small actions we can take, together River Citizens can improve the River’s condition. Being raised to respect and protect the land prompts my personal devotion to growing a sustainable garden. Our personal experiences and connections to nature enhance our effectiveness as leaders in protecting the Mighty Mississippi.
As a soon-to-be college graduate, I am anxiously planning my future and having a garden of my own is definitely part of the plan. With sustainability in mind, I plan to employ these practices and encourage River Citizens to do the same!
Natalie Busta
1 Mississippi Iowa Team Leader
IA1Mississippi@biodiverse.org