By Pat Sullivan

A sustainable yard can be cost-effective and better for the environment. One of the most important sustainability strategies is using native plants for your area’s climate and soil type. Indigenous plants require less water to maintain and contribute to the ecosystem. To ensure pollinators always have food, plant flowers that bloom throughout the year. Mixing plants with different root structures helps aerate the soil and prevents nutrients from being drawn from the same soil layer. Some good companion plants are sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. Plant perennials. Not only will they improve each year, but they will also help you save money.

To enrich your soil, try using natural weed-controlling methods, such as mulching with a 2 to 4-inch layer of biodegradable products, like cardboard or newspaper. Another great option is to use corn gluten meal. Apply this in the spring before the weeds begin sprouting. It may take a few years of consistent application to reach the full weed-control potential, but the benefits will be well worth it.

Reduce, reuse, rethink

Water conservation is an easy money-saver. For a big impact, consider drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the root zone of plants through pipes, tubing, and emitters. This system delivers water exactly where it’s needed and reduces evaporation and runoff. For a simpler method, set up a rain barrel on an elevated stand and connect it to a downspout. Position the overflow hose to direct excess water away from your home’s foundation. If your barrel doesn’t already have one, install a spigot for easy retrieval. 

For a fertilizer alternative, try composting. Start by making a bin out of reclaimed wood or wire mesh. Along with fruit and vegetable scraps, add healthy grass clippings, deadheaded flowers, twigs, and dried leaves. A nutrient-rich compost should have alternating layers of green material (nitrogen-rich) and brown material (carbon-rich), with a ratio of three parts brown to one part green. Place the bin in a full-sun location to speed decomposition, turning it weekly. 

To save energy, switch to an electric mower and string trimmer. There are a variety of models, both wired and battery-operated. 

Pat Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan Hardware & Garden, family-owned and community-focused since 1954, offering premium grills, patio furniture, lawn and garden products, and expert service. 

(This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)