Of course gardeners are not really the center of the universe, just one strand in a delicate web. Yet our choices impact the earth more than all other living creatures combined. As we contemplate all that we are grateful for this month of November, lets recommit to being good stewards of our natural environment.
Compost more:
Although nature is very cyclical, if there were any starting point, it would be the compost pile. There is no more important feature to a garden than a compost pile. It is where all life ends and begins. Recycling plant nutrients back into the soil is the single most important gardening task you will ever do.
Plant fruits and vegetables:
As large-scale chemical corporations increasingly monopolize and decimate our food system and environment, growing even just one fruit or vegetable organically in our own yard is helping to re-tilt the universe back into balance.
Buy directly from farmers:
After growing anything, we possibly can for ourselves, the next most important thing we can do is to buy directly from farmers, especially organic farmers. Support their challenge to not go the easy route with chemical warfare against nature. Go to Farmer’s Markets and Farm Produce Stands, and/or subscribe to a CSA.
Plant native plants:
The cool, wet season is an ideal time to add more native plants to your garden. The goal is to strategically choose each plant for its ability to grow easily in our climate, conserve resources by being drought tolerant, and most importantly to be a source of habitat (food and shelter) for beneficial insects and birds.
Make peace with insects and spiders:
The chemical industry is getting rich because of our fear and lack of understanding of which creatures cause harm and which ones benefit us. They encourage us to stay fearful and take the easy route by just killing everything. Instead, let’s remember the food chain. When we kill off the food supply for one group of creatures that another one depends on, which another one depends on…. you get the idea. In this food chain idea, we are the top dogs, so if we kill and poison the creatures at the beginning of the food chain where does that leave us?
Understand your impact on everything:
We may not be the center of the universe, but we do know that every action we take impacts the rest of nature. In this month of November, while we reflect on our gratitude for our families, our health, our bounty, and the amazing beauty of nature, let’s reconnect and recommit to being a part of the solution for a healthier world.
Happy Gardening.
