Composting and more

Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30% of what we throw away, and could be composted instead. Composting enriches soil, helps retain moisture, and suppresses plant diseases and pests. Composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and reduces methane emissions from landfills lowering your carbon footprint.

Mulching is a practice that involves spreading a layer of material on the ground around plants to protect their roots from heat, cold, or drought. The use of mulch is vital in Texas. A layer of mulch allows the soil to soak up more water. It also reduces the rate of water loss from the soil. A layer of mulch, especially in sloping gardens, helps prevent erosion. Mulching also prevents raindrops from splashing on the soil surface and reduce the spread of diseases.

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rain for reuse, rather than letting the water run off and be absorbed into the ground or channeled into drains, streams, or rivers. It is one of the easiest ways to conserve water at home while also lowering your bills. Rainwater has a nearly neutral pH, and is free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants. Plants thrive under irrigation with stored rainwater.