April 22 Earth Day Feature

Every April 22, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—a moment to reflect on how we care for the planet and what steps we can take to live in harmony with nature. One of the most rewarding ways to contribute is right in our own backyards. This Earth Day, let’s dig into sustainable gardening practices that not only support a healthier planet but also create thriving, resilient gardens.

Composting: Turn Waste Into Garden Gold

Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce waste and enrich your soil naturally. By recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can create nutrient-rich humus that improves soil structure, retains moisture, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Quick Composting Tips:

• Include a mix of “greens” (vegetable peels, coffee grounds) and “browns” (dry leaves, cardboard).
• Keep your pile moist and aerate it regularly to speed up decomposition.
• Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to prevent pests and odours.

Not only does composting lower your carbon footprint, it closes the loop between consumption and regeneration—essentially feeding your soil what it helped to grow.

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Water Conservation: Every Drop Counts

Fresh water is one of our planet’s most precious resources, and conserving it is key to sustainable gardening. Whether you’re growing vegetables or flowers, thoughtful watering can make a big impact.

Water-Wise Gardening Tips:

• Mulch your beds to reduce evaporation and keep roots cool.
• Collect rainwater using a barrel system to water plants naturally.
• Water early in the morning or late in the day to minimize evaporation.
• Choose drought-tolerant plants suited to your local climate to reduce reliance on irrigation.

By being mindful of how we water, we can keep our gardens lush and green without draining natural resources.

Grow Local, Grow Organic

Another sustainable practice is to choose native plants and organic gardening methods. Native species are adapted to your region’s climate, need less water and fertilizer, and support local pollinators and wildlife. Organic methods avoid chemical pesticides and herbicides that can harm the soil, water, and beneficial insects.

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

Sustainable gardening is not just a one-day effort—it’s a way of life that honours the Earth all year round. Whether you’re starting a compost pile, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, or installing a rain barrel, every step helps build a garden that gives back to the planet.

This Earth Day, let your garden be a symbol of renewal—not just for your landscape, but for the Earth itself.

🌍 Happy Earth Day—and happy planting!

Sustainable Gardening Communities & Tools

Alberta Urban Garden – YouTube Channel
A video series focusing on simple, organic, and sustainable gardening practices suitable for Alberta’s climate. Topics include composting, soil health, and cold-hardy perennials. youtube.com/@AlbertaUrbanGarden​

Sustainable Gardening in Alberta – Facebook Group
An active community where gardeners share eco-friendly practices, native plant recommendations, and wildlife-friendly landscaping ideas. facebook.com/groups/247572500662106​

Food Forest Spreadsheet for Southern Alberta (Zone 3-4)
A community-created spreadsheet listing cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, and native species suitable for permaculture gardens in southern Alberta. Reddit Link