Natural Awakenings Twin Cities July 2023

green living
Fighting Climate Change in the Garden
REGENERATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR
A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM
by Julie Peterson
Reversing global warming may feel like a challenge that
is out of reach, but anyone can make a difference by
planting an ecologically supportive garden. Regenerative
techniques employed in the backyard, a community garden
or even an apartment patio can significantly improve local
ecosystems. And because living systems are interconnected, a
healthier ecosystem boosts the well-being of all life forms, as
well as the environment.
“Growing a garden is one of the most powerful things we can
do as individuals to enact positive change and make a difference,”
says Emily Murphy, the California author of Grow Now: How We
Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet—One Garden at
a Time. “If you’re looking for practical solutions to the climate
crisis and the resulting loss of biodiversity, the answer is right
out your door and in the earth beneath your feet. It’s possible to
sequester enough carbon to offset your carbon footprint while
supporting wildlife.”
According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of
Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for
the Vegetable Garden and co-founder of Savvy Gardening.com,
“Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions
of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your
gardening practices and reduce time and budget in the long
term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of
human disturbance.”
lightpoet/AdobeStock.com
LAYER SOIL
A key principle of regenerative gardening is to add layers to the
soil instead of digging downward or tilling. “Layering up increases
the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil to
sequester carbon,” Murphy explains.
“Addition of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or wellaged
manure, helps build good soil structure and feeds beneficial
soil microbes,” says Walliser, who recommends adding one to two
inches per year to gardens.
Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible.
In some cities, free compost is available through community
14 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com