What can you do to make an impact this Earth Day, April 23 and beyond? Going green at your assisted or independent living home is a great start to saving the planet. This can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors. For seniors, the latter may hold a special appeal in several ways:

• It’s a fitting tribute to Earth Day as you toil and enrich the soil, while directly connecting with nature
• Gardening is a fantastic outdoor exercise, therapeutic in many ways, plus as you give back to the earth you’re rewarded with the sunshine vitamin D  
• Planting a food garden can represent the symbiotic relationship between nature and man’s sustenance.

With these in mind tryout four (4) good gardening tips you’ll enjoy reaping their benefits:

Grow Organic Food – DIY Compost and Mulch!

Compost is one of the best, most eco-friendly fertilizers there is, and you can do-it-yourself (DIY) free for use every time. Just get a compost bin or make a pile in your garden; your compost material can include grass cuttings, leaves, fruits and vegetable scrapes, and coffee grounds (you don’t have to use manure). Here’s how:

• Pile your garden materials in the compost bin and dampen, using a hose. Turn the compost inside out and let it completely decompose. Afterwards, mulch by spreading the compost as top dressing on your soil and plants.

Plant a Fruit Tree

Discuss with your community if there is a place on site where you can plant fruit trees. It can be a fun activity for community members to do together, and watch the progress. Plant a delectable cherry tree, plumb-apricot or pear tree! Available as small plants (dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard); buy them from your local nursery ready for transplanting. The simple act of planting a tree helps filter pollution from the air, conditions the soil, creates shade and attracts pollinators (and humans!).

Create a Kitchen Garden with Potted Herbs

Sage, parsley and basil are but some of the potted herbs you can select just outside your kitchen door or from your window sill.  You can grow almost any herb in a container with no sprays or chemicals needed. Organic herbs are beautiful, saves on supermarket costs and make a great friendship gift.

Gardening, as a favorite pastime or hobby is encouraged in many assisted living communities; for beginners, potted herbs are the way to go.

Key Takeaways:

• On Earth Day, going green at home is a first start to saving the planet, and this can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors
• Grow organic foods: compost is one of the best, most eco-friendly fertilizers there is, and you can do-it-yourself (DIY) FREE for use on your crop, every time.
• Plant a fruit tree. Get a delectable plum-apricot, pear or cherry tree from your local nursery ready for transplanting.
• Create a kitchen garden with potted herbs

 We hope that this Earth Day you get to enjoy the outdoors and admire our beautiful plantet, while brainstorming ideas of how to preserve our Earth. 

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about United Methodist Homes Assisted and Independent Living, please contact us or visit our website www.umh.org, we would love to hear from you!