15 ‘Eco-Friendly’ Gardening Tips That Are Hurting the Environment

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Gardening is usually considered a peace-loving, nature-loving activity that brings people closer to the environment. But some so-called ‘eco friendly’ practices that gardeners believe are helping the ecosystems are actually doing harm.

Reflect for a moment on the gardening advice you see online or in magazines. On the surface, these tips have an environmental stewardship intent, but not all tips live up to expectations. Here are a few of the not-so-good ones.

Planting Natives

Man Planting Plant — Photo Credit: Binyamin Mellish/Pexels

Planting native species is usually recommended for fostering local ecosystems. But you have to pick the right natives. Although not all plants labeled ‘native’ will become invasive, they can, if planted in the wrong habitat. Research your local ecosystem deeply to find the perfect fit, and make sure your efforts truly help local biodiversity.

Planting Trees

The idea of planting trees is something most people love, and for many reasons, but planting the wrong species can lead to unexpected outcomes. Non native trees can out compete local plants, and this can have an imbalance in the ecosystem. You have to pick tree species that are well adapted to your area and won’t clash with the current flora.

Avoiding Herbicide

Natural herbicides are great, but some are harmful, even though the idea of ditching herbicides is great. Vinegar, for example, will kill unwanted plants but can also destroy your wanted plants if used carelessly. Instead, think about the more mechanical ways of weed control such as hand pulling or using mulch to keep weeds away.

Planting Perennials

Crop unrecognizable gardener in gloves and jeans planting green plants into fertile soil while working in garden on summer day — Photo Credit: Greta Hoffman/Pexels

Perennial plants can provide year around greenery and actually help reduce soil erosion. Not all perennials are low maintenance, however. Some can spread too aggressively and become invasive. When you’re adding perennials to your garden, go for those that won’t overtake the whole space and stay in their lane.

Natural Pest Control Methods

The idea of natural pest control methods is appealing, but some strategies are not. For example, some homemade sprays do more harm than good to beneficial insects as well as the pests. When using natural remedies, be careful to use them selectively and instead use alternative methods such as handpicking or encouraging predatory insects.

Avoiding the Use of Plastics

Plastic avoidance in gardening often presents itself as a green mantra. But a flood of other non plastic pots and tools that could be just as bad for the environment. One example is biodegradable pots which break down unevenly, leaching toxins into the soil. Rather than throwing away plastic without any thought, breathe new life into it so you don’t need to throw it away and you can still reap the benefits of its durability and usability.

Crop Rotation

One well known practice for maintaining soil health and preventing pest buildup is crop rotation. Nevertheless, gardeners sometimes go too far and rotate crops too often, or inappropriately, which can disrupt soil microbiomes. That could mean lower yields and a battle against weeds gets more established. A far more effective approach would be to take into consideration plant families and soil conditions for a more balanced approach to rotation.

Mulching

Often touted as a way to capture moisture and suppress weeds, mulching can actually be too much. If it’s applied too thickly, it blocks out air and water from reaching plant roots and that can cause all sorts of problems. Rather than placing it on top of your garden like a winter blanket, opt for the light layer that will let your garden breathe.

Using Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers may seem like a better option than chemical but they too can cause problems. There are many organic options such as bone meal or fish emulsion, all of which can runoff nutrients into your nearby water sources and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Instead, it’s wiser to focus on building healthy soil through composting and crop rotation than on these products.

Watering

Watering is a crucial part of gardening, however over watering is one of the biggest mistakes. Most gardeners believe that more water is better for the plant, but overwatering can drown roots and encourage fungal diseases. Instead, use deep water techniques which encourage the formation of healthy roots that conserve water.

Recycling

15 Everyday Items You Thought Were Recyclable (But Aren’t!) — Image Credit: sdecoret/123RF

Recycling in the garden can be a smart way to reduce waste but it’s important to know what can be recycled. You may introduce toxins into the soil if you use materials that aren’t supposed to be used for gardening. Whenever possible, choose safe materials and when in doubt, use natural materials like wood or stone.

Mowing Grass

While it may seem like a way to keep your yard neat, cutting grass too short may actually be weakening grass roots and lowering your lawn’s drought resistance. Having longer grass blades also shades the soil and keeps moisture in it creating a healthier environment for beneficial organisms. The aim is for grass mowing to encourage strong growth and support the local wildlife.

Going Organic

It’s often a green badge of honor to go organic, but with caution. While some organic products do not have any adverse effects on the environment, they still can. Always read the labels and make sure you do your homework to make sure the organic solutions you are choosing are really good for you and not just a marketing gimmick.

Using Compost

Compost is a gardener’s best friend, but compost made commercially may contain pathogens or toxins, based on its source. Home composting is more reliable since you can control what gets put in it, and you won’t damage your plants or local soil health.

Attracting Wildlife

Attracting wildlife into your garden can be great for pollination and pest control, but only if you know what you’re attracting. Some creatures themselves can cause as much harm as they do good. The good news is that it’s all about balance – you want to attract beneficial insects without inviting in an army of aphids or other troublemakers.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.