Organic Gardening (I)
The cultivation of plants causes bad effects. For example:
- The massive use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. impact on the environment and no risk to humans and animals.
- Excessive consumption of water in irrigation, especially for lawn and in regions where it is a scarce resource.
- The use of nitrates (they are highly soluble fertilizers) that infiltrate and contaminate groundwater or aquifers.
- The large amount of vegetable waste is incinerated or taken to landfills untapped.
These and other problems lead us to reflect and think about a new concept: ORGANIC GARDENING. With this name we designate ways to build gardens and techniques to keep them in a rational manner that respects the environment.
Organic Gardening tries to save water, pesticides and fertilizers, promotes habits and attitudes that contribute to conservation and environmental protection and health.
On this page I will list as a summary of the points on which it bases that have a global view on subsequent pages have more detailed explanations. I suggest you implement some, if not all, of the ideas contained herein.
Basic criteria of the Ecological Garden
1. Garden Design
2. Irrigation
3. Paid
4. Padding
5. Adventitious herbs
6. Lawn
7. Pests and diseases
• Use preferably native plants. For example, if you live in a Mediterranean-type climate, species such as rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, etc., Are all native. There are hundreds to choose from with different shapes, textures, sizes, colors, climate and soil.
• The advantage of using native species is that they require less maintenance because they are more resistant to lack of water, soils, pests, diseases, etc. ..
• If you have little water for irrigation, Cactus and other Crasas are the toughest.
• According to the physico-chemical properties of soil (texture, pH, rich in organic matter, etc..) Chooses the most suitable species to it. For example, if your soil is calcareous (eg, pH 8), you insist on planting a azalea that requires acid soil with pH less than 6.5, trying to download the original pH of 8, is going against.
• Groups of species in the garden according to their water needs:
A dry area to be together autotonas and xerophytic species.
An irrigation zone environment where plants are grouped Average water needs.
A wetland for which require regular watering (if you include them in the garden can be all of “dry zone”).
• To save water protected from the sun with shade-trees or a pergola with vines.
• Protects against wind, as it is another plant blotting. Hedges, stands of trees, fences, sheet heather, reeds, etc. ..
• Do not plant too tight, give them space for plants to grow well according to their size.
• Create solid groups and similar to the way that nature in the field. Dense groups of plants create microclimates to retain moisture, shade the soil, protect small plants from wind and prevent weeds.
• On the edges of the lawn is where it falls more water, take advantage of it to plant the more water needed.
• Use ground cover plants, also called Alfombrantes to cover the ground.
• Use natural materials, cheap and durable construction of the garden. For example, the thick branches and trunks can be used to decorate.
• Place lamps and beacons photovoltaic solar energy feed.
Source: http://articulos.infojardin.com/articulos/jardineria-ecologica.htm
image source: http://gardeninggarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/organic-gardening-compost.png