The Five Re’s (March 2008)
Now is the time to plan your garden and to start your seeds. Here are a few hints as you start looking forward to the coming gardening season. There are many things around your house that can be repurposed for gardening and yard work.
Reduce
Reduce your carbon emissions and food miles by reducing the amount of fruits and veggies you purchase. Save money and provide your family with homegrown, healthy produce by starting a garden this year.
Recycle
Recycle your food waste by starting a compost bin. Worm bins are gaining in popularity and are great because you can compost inside all winter long. Yard waste and food scraps can also be composted outside.
By composting, you will reduce the amount of garbage your family generates each week and reduce your impact. The nutrient rich compost you gain at the end of the process is essential for gardening and flowers.
Reuse
Reuse plastic containers of all kinds to start seeds. Yogurt cups, margarine containers, fruit containers and egg cartons are just a few of the things that can be reused for seed starting. Anything that can hold dirt is perfect for this task. Reusing plastic containers is not only a great way to reuse these items (instead of sending them off for recycling), but it will save you some money by eliminating one thing on your seed supply shopping list. Select a warm sunny window in your home and set up a place to start your seeds!
Repurpose
Repurpose fruit containers for the gardening season ahead. Instead of recycling plastic fruit containers, save them for seed starting (see above) and for produce picking later in the summer.
Rethink
Rethink your garden plans. Just starting? Gardening isn’t your thing? There are many ways to grow some of your own food and every little bit will go a long way to reducing your impact on the Earth.
Container gardening is great for those just starting out or for someone in an apartment or townhouse. Many praise the idea of the “square foot gardening” method as a sure fire way to be successful, even for someone who has never gardened before. There are many resources available at the library or bookstore. Hopefully, this issue of the footprint will provide you with some ideas for a successful gardening adventure this summer.