Whether after flower blossoms, fruit and vegetables, herbs, or a combination of these, the spoils of a summer garden are well worth their labor. Invest some time sketching to scale what the garden should look like in full bloom.

Colors of flowers and leaves, height of mature plants, sun needs of plants, and the shape of the garden being planned should all be considered. Now that there is a goal in mind, it would be time to remove debris, pull out grass and weeds by their roots, but leaves may stay, as partially decomposed leaves are good fertilizer to till into the soil.

Most gardeners agree that the savviest time to add mulch, compost, or fertilizer into a garden is right before it is planted, since nutrients will seep through the soil with water drainage even in the fall and winter. Spread the nutrient of choice evenly and till it into the soil. Loosen the soil between six to twelve inches down.

If the garden was tilled in the fall this should be rather easy to do, however, loosening the soil for the roots to grow in is a necessary part of gardening, if not the most back breaking. Consider spreading the burden out by buying or renting a tilling machine, or make a plan to till sections of a garden over several days.

It is time to reevaluate the original garden sketch. Use a spade to create furrows, or divots where plants were first desired, to get a feel for the garden’s final plant placement. Finally, enjoy ordering the seeds and starter plants to fill in the perfect garden.

Remember also about preparing your home from dust and dirt that you might bring from the garden and try Turtle Mat Door Mats – the original dirt trapping mats.

Making your home environmentally friendly can be a truly motivating process. Not only you will be helping to save the planet from pollution, but you’ll be also making savings for your budget by using less energy.

You might want to start by something extremely simple. Make it a house rule that everybody turns out all lights anytime they leave a room. You can also do something as simple as getting up earlier everyday – this will prevent using the artificial light and also save money and energy.

You could also replace your light bulbs with the environmentally friendly light bulbs. This shouldn’t be an overnight process, as throwing away current bulbs will only increase waste. Instead, make it a gradual process of replacing the bulbs with their environment friendly versions.

Continue with the simple things. Imagine your trash can. Downsize it. Alongside the trash can, place the recycling bins. Use one for glass. Another can be used for compost – organic items like the old food that can be placed outside in the garden.  Other bins can be used for aluminum cans and recyclable paper.

By implementing the strategies listed above, you are on a good way to at least reduce the negative impact of your home on the environment and save it for yourself and and your children.

Using Turtle Mat Door Mats you are helping the environment. Please take a look at Turtle Mat Eco Policy.