Ecological Gardening

Lesson 3: Planting Choices

Ecological Gardening Plants and Animals

Suggested reading: Chapter 6 & 7, Gaia’s Garden

The lack of water can delay the ability of a plant to develop the seeds that are essential for the next generation of plants to grow. Now, of course, you could just go out and buy new seeds every year, but if you are really interested in developing your relationship to the plants you grow and save a few bucks at the same time, then I suggest that you need to ensure that a percentage of your garden produces seeds. You can control the quality of your seeds because you will select the plants which have the characteristics you most seek and save their seeds.

A healthy ecosystem can take care of itself and when you seek to develop a balance in your own backyard between your food needs, your need for flowers and the needs of all the other creatures who may live there, then you have created the conditions that lend themselves to long term survival and vital living. Birds, bees, butterflies, earthworms and ever smaller beings are essential members of your garden community. Each plays a role and the health and longevity of your garden depends upon their presence.

If you wish to achieve or at least enhance your family's food security, then you will need to open your growing space to the creatures that enable you to create a naturally, thriving ecosystem. We thrive in co-operation and wallow in competition. Select plants because they serve multiple purposes, attract beneficals, provide and shelter, for example.

Gardens do not thrive on the gardener's care alone. There are a multitude of helpers working with each plant to ensure success. Ignore them or treat them badly and you will have to work that much harder.

More suggested resources:

Chickens in the city: http://www.cityfarmer.org

Plants For A Future: http://www.pfaf.org/

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