It’s seeding and planting season, which probably means it’s buying season. This year, consider not only the garden supplies and plants you bring home, but also whether they are made of, encased in, or wrapped in plastic.
These plastic products eventually break down into very small pieces. Particles called microplasticswhich can leach and contaminate our food and the earth in landfills. Common household sources of microplastics include food storage containers, kitchen utensils, detergent bottles, and even some clothing, and particles have been found in everything from drinking water and food to the human body.
But have you ever wondered what’s lurking in your garden?
Soil contains millions of components beneficial microorganismsas well as bacteria and fungi, microplastics can also be lurking there. So what’s a health and environmentally conscious gardener to do?
First, don’t add to the problem.
While we may not be able to reverse the damage, there are steps we can take to minimize our contribution to the plastic problem and move towards a cleaner future. You might even save a few bucks in the process.
Instead of purchasing plastic seeding trays, consider making your own containers using a soil block kit. The kit’s metal mold compresses a wet mixture of compost, peat moss, perlite, and nutrients into solid, free-standing cubes.
Cubes benefit newborn plants by aerial pruning of roots. This means that rather than pivoting and strangling themselves when they hit the side of the pot, the roots pause their outward growth and instead grow more densely when exposed to air at the edges of the block. They will also be easier to establish in your garden.
If you’re not into DIY projects, consider pots or trays made from biodegradable coir or composted manure (don’t worry, they don’t smell and cardboard will work too).
This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, which focuses on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Hope you are well.
When purchasing containers for large plants, look to natural materials such as wood or terracotta.
Root vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes grow especially well in fabric grow bags of various sizes. Those made for potatoes have roll-up “doors” that make harvesting easier. Check the label to make sure it’s made with natural fibers rather than synthetics.
Whenever possible, buy plants without roots rather than those sold in plastic pots.
Use compost to keep things basic
By starting your own compost pile, you won’t need as much soil or fertilizer. There will be no more plastic bags to throw away and you will know exactly what the amendments are about. If that’s not possible, buy compost in bulk. Anyway, it’s cheaper than packing.
Choose canvas tarps over plastic tarps and never use landscape fabric Under the bed or along the border. Instead, use shredded bark, wood chips, or dried leaves to deter weeds. However, fire prevention areas are excluded. gravel is preferred As a safety issue.
Use bamboo, wood, or metal stakes to support tomatoes and vines. Secure with natural twine such as hemp or jute.
Wooden popsicle sticks make great plant markers.
Also, if you must buy plastic, avoid single-use items like flimsy seed trays. Using something durable that will last for years before you throw it away is a step in the right direction. And many small steps add up.
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Jessica Damiano writes a regular gardening column for The Associated Press. She publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. Please register here Get weekly gardening tips and advice.
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For more AP Gardening stories, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.
