Ecosystem gardening

It is essential to know about Ecosystem gardening because we all need to consider the health of the soil, the health of the environment, and the health of nature, which are all interconnected and related to human health and well-being. 

Ecosystem gardening does not mean that it is only related to people who have gardens in their houses. Still, it also means caring about any green garden area, for example, at your workplace, in the school's yard, in the community garden area, in parks, etc. 

This article focuses mainly on home gardening. However, certain principles are valid, and one can apply them in different places, which is good and healthy for us and our environment.  

In ecosystem gardening, it is essential to know how we choose which plants to grow, what type of soil and nutrients to use, how to respect and protect the insects' lives, pollinators such as bees, etc. Therefore, we should make the best choice possible in order not only to preserve nature and the environment but also to be beneficial to them. 

Watering

Look at the weather forecast regularly and see which days will rain a lot. This way, you can water your garden with all the plants, flowers, and trees in it. This is particularly important if you have a vegetable patch (kasvimaa) where you grow certain types of herbs or vegetables that need more water. 

Sometimes, dry days occur, especially in summer, and one needs to water the garden with the house's supply of clean water. However, this is a cost anyway, and it is better and more sustainable to water the garden with water, which is much easier and less time-consuming. Therefore, it is wise to look at the weather forecast and plan the watering of the garden this way naturally. 

It is also possible to collect water in large containers when it rains and then use that water for the garden later when needed. In Finland, massive centers sell garden stuff, and one can buy huge buckets or containers suitable for gardening purposes and use them in various ways. 

Invasive plants 

Certainly, invasive plants grow everywhere for many reasons, and it is appropriate to be careful, observe the garden regularly, not let them grow too much, and remove them in the early stage before allowing them to cover large areas of the garden. This is important, especially if one grows edible plants at home and does not want to use harsh pesticides and, therefore, to have more healthy organic food for the family to consume. 

If one starts to remove the invasive plants before they grow fast everywhere, then it is less work once they are still small. One can share the work with kids and make it fun by telling stories during the job and learning about new plants and nature.

For example, one could choose a suitable time to do this work in the early afternoon so that when kids get tired, one can stop and have a nice rewarding break and continue a bit more work afterward. 

Composting 

The health of the soil is essential, and it is necessary to drastically reduce or eliminate the use of chemical toxins, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides until it is possible. Therefore, one can learn quickly how to compost the leaves and branches of the garden and how to compost the waste of the food the family has consumed during the year. This way, it is possible to use the composter material as a nutrient in the garden for the plants. In Finland, there is an excellent culture of growing food at home in the garden, and one can easily find information about how and where to buy all the materials, objects, and tools necessary for composting.

It is also possible to build a simple wooden box at the corner of the garden and collect the little branches and leaves there. Later, the wood will be used as a nutrient for the soil. Children usually participate very happily in the building.

The schools in Finland also have hours of patchwork, building with different materials such as wood, metal, paper, etc. Therefore, kids are readily willing to put into practice their abilities and what they have learned at school, and building a simple wooden composter box turns into a fun and valuable activity together. 

Each of us can take responsibility for the health of our home, nature, and the environment, improving our health and the health of our planet, which are all interconnected. 

Biodiversity and sustainability are the main focus of our time. Therefore, any action we take matters, and it is beneficial to natural sources as well. 

One can always ask for the collaboration of family and children and create fun and productive ways of doing the job together. 

It would be wise to watch a documentary, for example, explaining the importance of ecosystem gardening. "Knowledge is power." Once we know the importance of our actions, cooperation is more accessible and joyful.