Climate-Friendly Gardening Growing into Action

Climate change affects our ability to grow for beautification and provide food. The impacts of climate change, such as drought and extreme weather, bring stresses to our . They can also allow new invasive species and pests, which do not belong, to thrive in our .

As , we can be apart of the solution. We can consider our footprint in the , the function of our garden, and the practices that we carry out from the root and up. Here's a look at climate-friendly gardening!

LOW EMISSION INPUTS BE WATER-WISE

Some tools and chemicals can affect the To reduce water demand, try adjusting your amount of gases emitted and watering schedule to when less water will absorbed in your garden. evaporate. Apply water slowly to the base of the , so it absorbs into the soil near the Get hands-on! Use human power and root system. manual tools where possible. Tone down the use of synthetic chemicals, and opt for Pick plants wisely. Explore gardening with , worm castings, and manure to minimal water use or , which nourish your plants. Save your organic waste uses plants adapted to dry . (like and veggie scraps) for municipal Consider adding compost, organic material, compost or your own, depending on or mulch to keep water in the soil longer. regulations. For , consider organic options like neem oil, insecticidal soap and On top of this, try to help reduce run-off by powders and sprays from natural Bt bacteria. building a . This will support stormwater management and allow excess In next year's garden, consider making a water to infiltrate as precipitation patterns sheet compost or "lasagna garden" of change. alternating carbon and nitrogen material. It is a great growing medium. Try planting cover in between growing seasons to maintain soil health and reduce .

ENCOURAGE CHOOSE AND

Biodiversity underpins our food systems. We Plant trees, shrubs and other perennials, can help support biodiversity in our and multiple if you have space. Did you changing climate by providing food, water, know trees help to reduce heat-trapping and space for living things. Create a gases in the atmosphere? They store more pollinator-friendly garden. Include native carbon dioxide than smaller plants, and for and plants. They should at a longer time. By planting perennials, we different times, so there are blooms over the can reduce soil disturbance and required season. labour since they do not need to be Avoid planting invasive species and prevent replanted each year. their spread by monitoring and removing them. Trees also provide shade in the summer and protection from winter winds. With ideal Try the age-old tradition of companion placement, we can reduce our energy planting to promote , wildlife, consumption for heating and cooling! and other mutual benefits.

GROW FOOD AND SAVE

Food travels far! Reduce your food miles by growing some of your own and vegetables. Save seeds from your healthiest plants. Annual, open-pollinated crops like tomatoes and beans are easy to start with. See Seeds of Diversity's resources for more information!

Source: greenamerica.org/climate-victory-gardening-practices greenbelt.ca/in_a_changing_climate