Finding new ways to reduce my carbon footprint has become one of my favorite things to do, especially when it relates to my sustainable landscaping business. I want to help people use their land efficiently to store carbon (a process known as carbon sequestration) and fight climate change. So here are 9 ways you can turn your garden into a carbon sequestration machine all the while creating a beautiful and functional landscape that is sure to impress your friends and family!
- Minimize Area Dedicated to Lawn Growth
Grass mono-cultures are massive greenhouse gas producers thanks to the equally massive lawn care industry. They require lots of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and gas powered equipment to maintain. The short roots and lack of biodiversity also make for unhealthy soil conditions which can lead to desertification. On top of everything else, they have very small biomass which means they don’t store as much carbon as larger plants would be able to.
- Plant Native Wildflowers
Wildflowers make a great addition to any garden because they are beautiful and low maintenance. Since they are native to your region, they thrive with the natural water cycle and only need watering if you’re having an unusually dry week. They also make great habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Use Natural Fertilizers
If you must fertilize your garden, there are many options that are more environmentally friendly that your typical synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The production of these fertilizers have high carbon emissions and they are bad for biodiversity in the soil. A good alternative is to simply spread a thin layer of compost over your lawn or garden. This naturally adds healthy microbes and fungi to your soil which improves root health and size – allowing plants to store more carbon in the soil. You can even make a “compost tea” which spreads diverse bacteria more evenly across a given area.
- Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides are another product which create large carbon emissions during production. Plus, they actively and intentionally destroy animal life. Not cool. Depending on the pest in question, there are many natural, cruelty-free ways to keep them away from your plants like salt sprays, citrus oils, or even physical barriers like chicken wire!
- Plant Trees (and other woody plants)
Woody plants like trees and shrubs have long roots and can grow very tall and wide. Just imagine how much more carbon you can store in the trunk, branches, and roots of a mighty oak tree versus how much carbon can be stored in a small blade of grass.
- Add Mulch
Adding mulch (try to get mulch with leaves and other plant matter rather than just wood chips) simulates the benefits of the natural decomposition of foliage for healthier soil that will be able to store more carbon. It can also help with water retention to reduce how often you need to water your plants and it’s great for weed control, saving you time and money spent on maintaining your garden.
- Diversify Plant Life
A diverse selection of plants in your garden make for a healthy, biologically diverse habitat. The diverse root system provides the nutrients needed for a healthy soil micro-biome, and the diverse flowers and fruits will attract pollinators to keep plants healthy and birds to take care of pests. Some plants to consider including in your garden are: trees, shrubs, ferns, ornamental grasses, wildflowers, ground cover crops, and even food producing crops.
- Grow Food
Food producing crops have the added benefit of putting food on your table straight from your home garden. This eliminates carbon emissions associated with mass farming, delivering, storing, and shopping for food. Plus, I bet you’ve never had tastier blueberries than the ones fresh out of your garden!
- Add a Water Source
Having a water source in your garden is important for attracting a diverse selection of native wildlife. This could range from a pond or a stream to a simple bird bath or small fountain. If you live in Canada, include a source of water, a source of food, and a source of shelter in your garden (try getting a bird house!), and you use eco-friendly garden practices to maintain your garden (no gas powered lawn mowers!) you will qualify for a free Garden Habitat Certification from the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
