
Sustainable Gardening

Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.
Source: http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm
Our educational outreach emphasizes sustainable gardening techniques that you can easily implement in your own yard. The resources below describe many of the concepts of sustainable gardening.
FREE UC ANR publication: Sustainable Landscaping in California: How to Conserve Resources and Beautify your Home Landscape
Sustainable Landscaping-Earth Friendly Steps
UC Integrated Pest Management for Home and Garden
Sustainability Fairs (2013 and 2014)
For information about the 2014 Sustainability Fair, please visit our dedicated 2014 Sustainability Fair page.
Soil...Compost...Mulch...Water
These elements of your garden are the very heart of sustainability. Here are some resources that can help you create a truly solid and sustainable foundation for your garden. See our Sustainability Fair Handouts page for other resources.
Soil Basics:
Sustainable Landscaping-Building Healthy Soil
Soil Testing
Soil Testing Laboratories for Home Gardeners
Compost:
Composting 101
Composting with Worms
Building a Worm Bin
Using Compost in the Home Garden
Mulch:
About Mulch
How to Sheet Mulch
Go From Lawn to Garden with Sheet Mulching (StopWaste.org)
Sheet Mulching and Irrigation for Lawn Conversions
Irrigation:
Irrigation for your Garden
Water Testing Labs for Home Gardeners
Landscape Water Conservation Resources page (CCUH)
For help and advice:
Use the top navigation of this site to find out more about the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County and the free educational and community outreach services we provide.