If you have a yard or know someone who does, these gardening tips are one of the best ways to make a difference in the native plant movement.
Buy native plants from your local nursery
• Many nurseries sell propagated native plants
• These nurseries will also provide the right instructions on how to care for your plants.
Where to buy natives in PA
Limit pesticides and fertilizer
• Pesticides and fertilizer often use harmful chemicals that have negative impacts on the ecosystem and water
• Instead, opt for natural fertilizers such as animal manure, crop wastes, or fish meal
Be mindful of your non natives
• It is important to reduce impact of invasive species, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of all non-native plants in your garden
• If you do choose a non-native, choose one that won’t escape or spread
• Whenever you choose to buy a new plant, natives are easier to take care of, and have many benefits to your local system.
Choose the right plant for your site
• Plants will have different conditions for sunlight, soil acidity, and water
• Plant nurseries and online resources can help identify this information
Use a fun garden template
• Turning your lawn into a native ecosystem can be fun!
• The PA department of conservation and natural resources has a garden template to help you organize creative ways to convert your garden
See garden templates