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 May / June 2007 |
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May / June 2007 |
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(greyed articles available in printed version - subscribe now!)
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EarthKind EarthKind is a designation invented by the Texas Extension Service at Texas A&M to identify plants that “provide maximum gardening and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting our environment.” EarthKind goals include: “landscape water conservation, safe use and handling of fertilizers and pesticides i the landscape and reduction of yard wastes entering landfills.” The EarthKind project embraces the goals and practices that organic gardeners have known about and enjoyed for years, but it is great that they have developed and promoted the ideas. They also provide wonderful lists of plants specific to various regions of the state. There is an online plant selector that allows you to click on your part of the state and a list of plants that includes everything from annuals to trees that are best adapted to drought, heat and pest tolerance. The Texas Cooperative Extension Service provides a series of twelve publications that cover the essentials of environmentally friendly practices ranging from design considerations to irrigation. There is also an online EarthKind Master Gardener Training Program. Visit earthkind.tamu.edu for an overview of the program and to access the plant selector. There are several other links of interest to Texas gardeners. The best thing about the project is that it focuses on the specific needs and plants of Texas. EarthKind Publications EK Landscape Design: Developing an Earth Kind landscape for homes and businesses can pose unique challenges. Wise plant selection and careful attention to improving environmental conditions through soil preparation, proper after-planting care, and efficient irrigation practices are essential. There are no hard and fast rules, since conditions vary from location to location but by following some basic Earth Kind principles your chances for success will be greatly increased. EK Water Conservation: In urban areas of Texas about 25 percent of the water supply is used for landscape and garden irrigation. Much of this water is used to maintain traditionally high water-demanding landscapes, or it is simply applied inefficiently. In an attempt to reduce the excessive water use, Texas Cooperative Extension is educating Texans on the principles of Earth Kind landscaping to help preserve and protect our most valuable natural resource. EK Mulch: One of the best methods of growing healthy plants and conserving water at the same time is to use mulch in the landscape. Experienced gardeners have long known the secret of mulching the garden and all its benefits. What is a mulch? Mulch is simply a protective ground covering that saves water, reduces evaporation, prevents erosion, controls weeds, and in the case of organic mulches, enriches the soil. EK Fertilization: Attractive trees and shrubs are important components of an Earth Kind landscape. Planned maintenance and care are essential for keeping these plant materials healthy and vigorous. A well thought out fertilization program is an important maintenance requirement. However, it is important that plants not be over fertilized and that fertilizer not be expected to overcome problems caused by the use of un-adapted varieties, improper planting techniques, poor soil drainage, soil compaction or incorrect watering practices. EK IPM: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic, information-intensive approach to controlling insects, diseases and weeds which depends upon a thorough understanding of the entire landscape. It strives to use several complimentary tactics or control methods to manage pests which make the landscape more stable and subject to fewer problems. IPM focuses on tactics that will prevent or avoid anticipated pest problems rather than remediate problems once they occur. EK Pesticides: Although pesticides can be useful, they can also be dangerous if used carelessly or stored improperly. The most effective way to reduce risks posed by pesticides is to consider the use of non-chemical control methods to reduce or eliminate pest problems. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic approach that includes non-chemical options. If you decide you must use pesticides, always read the label first and follow directions to the letter, including precautions and restrictions. EK Composting: Each year nearly millions of tons of leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs, weeds, organic debris and other yard wastes end up in Texas landfills. This volume represents about 20 percent of all trash placed in landfills. It costs Texans over $250 million a year to collect and dispose of yard wastes. Putting these materials to use instead of throwing them away can save money and preserve and protect the environment for all Texans. Composting is an important EarthKind practice that can help address this critical issue. EK Native Habitat: Creating ‘backyard habitat’ through the use of native and well adapted plant species not only provides habitat, but also assists in reducing water use, as well as the need for potentially harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Texas Wildscapes, coordinated by Texas Parks and Wildlife, is one of the most popular and successful native habitat projects for commercial and residential landscapes. EK Plant Selection: Using well adapted plants is one of the most fundamental elements of an Earth Kind landscape. EK offers a number of programs and tools for identifying plant materials that are specifically adapted to your area. These include the Aggie Horticulture Web site, the Urban Landscape Guide, Texas Superstar, EarthKind Roses, as well as local Extension recommendations. EK Roses: EarthKind is an important designation given to select roses by the Texas A&M University Agriculture program. EarthKind Roses have been through rigorous statewide testing and evaluation by a team of horticultural experts and found to possess the high level of landscape performance and outstanding disease and insect tolerance/resistance required to for this special designation. EarthKind Roses are among the most thoroughly tested and environmentally responsible plants for use in Texas landscapes. Check with your local Extension Service office for these publications. Some have them and some don’t. Some haven’t yet heard of the EarthKind program! You can find them online in printable form. |
