As a greener gardener, can you dig it?

(NC)—Mary may have been quite contrary, but she probably wasn't thinking about eco-friendly solutions to make her garden grow. Canadians have become increasingly aware of the effectiveness of green gardening, so whether you're a landscape architect working on your latest creation or a condo dweller content with a couple of potted herbs, a little guidance from the world's largest producer of outdoor power products will have you growing green in no time. Take a look at these tips from Husqvarna:

• Compost. Improve soil fertility by using kitchen food scraps. You don't need to throw away perfectly good plant food. Known as 'gardener's gold', compost is an inexpensive way to give your soil high-powered nutrients.

• Harvest rainwater. Adding a rain barrel is an easy way to capture water for watering lawns, yards and gardens. Be sure to put a screen on top of your barrel to keep out unwanted debris and creatures.

• Use the right tools. Is it time to trade in your lawn mower for a newer version? New lawn mowers are more fuel efficient and produce less harmful emissions. Also, you may want to consider a front, rear or all-wheel drive mower as they will reduce mowing time substantially.

• Bring on the pollinating pals. Provide a pesticide-free sanctuary for butterflies and bees by growing a diverse variety of flowers. Flower such as wild lilac, goldenrod and lemon balm are particularly inviting to our flying friends.

• Loosen the soil. Soil loosening makes it possible for oxygen to reach the roots of the plants and also creates a better-looking flowerbed. In smaller beds you can get by with hand tools, but if you're working with larger areas, a rotary cultivator is the way to go.

• Keep the mulch. Leave the clippings on your lawn. Not only do you eliminate the time to bag and dump the mulch, but the clippings fertilize the soil and lawn.

More lawn tips and information about tool options for green gardening can be found online at www.husqvarna.ca.

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