Going "Green" in the Garden

Whether it is store-bought or homemade, compost contains everything plants need to grow, including organic matter, macronutrients, micronutrients, beneficial bacteria and fungi, microbes of all kinds and even disease-fighting organisms. It also improves soil structure and fertility and encourages all sorts of microbial activity underground at the plants' roots, even inviting earthworms to join into the action. A rich and active soil promotes healthy, thriving plants.

When incorporated into the soil, compost can completely eliminate the need for commercial fertilizers. Simply apply compost around the plant base as a mulch or work it into the soil by gently turning and mixing a layer of compost in with a shovel or pitchfork. You can also enrich your lawn by broadcasting a light layer of compost over the grass.

Don't use synthetic fertilizers. Fertilizers — especially the quick-release, synthetic forms — are the junk foods of the plant world. "They're the equivalent of horticultural heroin that turns plants into botanical junkies in need of a fix every few weeks," says Paul. "Why is it that so many gardeners feel the need to force plants to grow faster than nature intended them to grow?"

Not only do they cause plants to grow at an unnatural rate, synthetic fertilizers also destroy many of the beneficial microorganisms that contribute to healthy soils. Because they don't contain any organic matter, they don't improve the soil. In addition, most synthetic fertilizers are made from non-renewable resources, such as natural gas.

Water efficiently. Water is a precious resource, and it's becoming more scarce every year. So water intelligently. Water early in the morning and avoid watering on windy days to reduce losses due to evaporation. Deep soak each time you water, but watch for unnecessary runoff. Use drip irrigation (figure D) applied directly at the plants' bases. Collect rainwater whenever and wherever you can. Mulch plants to help retain soil moisture, and water only when plants need water.

Recycle whenever possible. Recycle garden and kitchen refuse in a compost pile or bin. Use a mulching lawn mower to recycle grass clippings into the lawn as doing so will virtually eliminate the need for lawn fertilizers. Reuse plastic containers for sowing seeds. Use biodegradable newspaper, instead of plastic weed fabric, to choke out and control weeds.

So does Paul really practice what he preaches? To the extent that it's practical, he does. "I do use a blower once a week, simply because raking two acres wouldn't be practical," he says. "But my approach to gardening is totally natural, because it mimics nature in every way possible."