by Lis Friemoth
Sustainability products for garden gaining popularity
We hear the word sustainable, or green, used in conjunction
with almost every segment of the consumer market. Definitions
vary greatly depending on market segment, use, nature
of the word play and the end interpretation.
Whether the topic is construction, equipment or landscape
products and services, it’s important to understand the
reasoning behind all of the buzz and what it may mean
for gardeners during the annual spring plant wrestling
match.
Let’s start with a general definition of sustainability,
courtesy of Miriam-Webster: “Relating to, or being a
method of harvesting or using a resource so that the
resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” Balance
and moderation. Seems pretty logical.
The definition can be applied to many areas of life;
it’s not just for production methods or service provision.
As the idea and practice of sustainability grows and
spreads, researchers are finding that the general populace
is applying it to decisions during everyday life. The
reasoning is simple — to live a better life today and
leave a better world for tomorrow.
When applied to horticulture, sustainability turns a
business of enhancing the landscape into one that is
even more attentive to the past, present, and future
environmental issues and actions that impact all of us.
But do be aware that while sustainable and organic practices
are often quite compatible, they are not synonymous.
Sustainable choices may include traditional fertility
products and pest-control practices. The premise of sustainability
is to balance all choices with the intended and potential
resource consequences. Many are finding that organic
choices are the best options for some decisions, but
not for others.
Containers
Growers long have been plagued by the absence of reusable
and/or recyclable containers for growing, packaging,
and selling plant material. Feasible options were not
available for hardy containers that could withstand
the use we put them through. In the past, those needs
could only be met affordably with plastic-based, nonrecyclable
products.
In addition, the research into reuse outcomes of these
products recently has concluded that disinfecting does
not completely rid the containers of existing pathogens
that could and would carry over into new plants. Enter
the forward- thinking, who saw an opportunity to improve
and increase choices. That drive and research has resulted
in great options for growers and consumers.
Growers who prefer to remove some of those nonreusable
and nonrenewable materials from their production cycles
have been presented with interesting choices. One I find
interesting is made from rice hulls and corn products.
It is hard enough to go from the greenhouse, to retail
center, to the home landscape. Once plants are put into
the ground, these containers can be composted.
For an even lesser amount of waste, there are pots made
of a biodegradable, nonwoven paper material wrapped around
potting media or peat. These require a tray — which is
the only plastic product within this growing system —
to hold the pots. After use, these pots can be planted
directly into the ground. That means there are no containers
to deal with or dispose of. In a home or commercial setting,
this saves quite a bit time, as depotting plants for
installation is a time-intensive task.
In the decorative-container market, all sizes of a heavier
constructed rice hull material are available to consumers.
With a reported life cycle of about five years, these
containers show no cracking or chipping in multiseason
use. These come in a wide color range that uses nontoxic
dye materials.
Fertilizers
Fertilizer often is a mixed blessing in the home landscape.
Plants need it, but the processes and base products
necessary for production can be problematic and costly.
And more often than not, when applied, the amount is
higher than really is necessary. By determining soil
need first (get a soil test!), you can control the
amount purchased and appropriately measure and time
application for maximum benefit.
I have to admit that choosing the type of fertilizer
is kind of fun. So many products are being made from
things that you are used to seeing on a dinner plate.
Look for ingredients that include fish, all kinds of
crustaceans, seaweed, corn, soy and a host of other source
materials.
This phenomenon is driven by the need for local or regional
fertilizer production. Taking advantage of materials
that would have gone into the waste stream now ensures
that some return a level usefulness to the environment
they came from.
Be sure to read the label, as any product you add to
the soil affects everything, and all product use carries
risk. A product that is labeled sustainable, organic
or natural does not mean that it is completely safe or
without risk. Inappropriate application or misuse of
any product, natural or synthetic, can result in serious
health and safety repercussions. If looking for a sustainable
and responsible way to improve the health of your soil,
try composting. It’s also a great way to reduce household
and yard waste.
Pest control
For pest control, there are a lot of sustainable products
being introduced that use plant oils as a base: anise,
cedarwood, clove, lavender, mint and neem, to name
some of the more common varieties. Some of these are
great, and some are just a good way to keep you distracted
long enough to stop worrying about the problems.
In general, oils control by providing a physical barrier
to insect infestation; the additional property of plant
scent also can repel pests. At this point, research is
not conclusive as to effectiveness. But given the right
situation, they can serve as alternatives to traditional
pesticides.
Be aware of any allergies or skin sensitivities that
may be aggravated by any plant-oil-based products. And,
some can be quite volatile when exposed to high temperatures.
For control of thrips, apple maggots and those hungry
caterpillars, there is an organic insecticide (active
ingredient: spinosad) now available to homeowners. The
residual effectiveness period is listed at five to six
days. Even with the expansion of product choice, you
still have to do your homework and choose wisely.
I really am looking forward to evaluating the purchase
choices in the marketplace over the next few years as
sustainable choices expand. It will make it even more
enjoyable to bring plants, products and services into
the home landscape. I like being able to have choices
that allow me to balance short-term benefits with long-term
resource viability.
— Lis Friemoth is a horticulture diagnostician. Contact her at (262) 745-2904, P.O. Box 58, Springfield, WI 53176, visit online at www.thegardenhoe.com or e-mail her at gardenhoe@tds.net. Listen to Liz from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. every third Saturday on WISN AM1130 radio. |
