Every Day Earth Guide

I want to continue exploring gardening ideas that will address climate disruption and help each of us in our local environments. I certainly have noticed drastic changes in our state that can only be attributed to either increased warming, or, conversely, increased rainfall and ice/snow.
As an example, trees in old growth forests are dying in increasing numbers and most scientists conclude that longer, hotter summers are the primary cause. This trend is affecting both young and old trees, in crowded and sparse stands and at different elevations. The reason is warmer average temperatures across the West, says Nathan Stephenson of the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, which creates greater stress on trees from lack of water, leaving them vulnerable to disease and insects. The rising death rate could produce a cascading decline that leads to less habitat for fish and wildlife, an increased risk of wildfires and vulnerability to sudden forest die-offs. The study examined data between 1955 and 2007 in 76 research plots in BC, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Arizona, and has no predictable conclusions and is challenged by some who resist the idea of climate change or disruption altogether.

In my own garden, I have seen a couple of plants mysteriously die, some well established trees (native and non-native) just giving up the ghost abruptly. For the past several years, I notice that cool weather crops (lettuce, leaf vegetables) simply cannot sustain into late summer and bolt even with good mulch and shade cloth. Here are some thoughts that might help you avoid frustration in the garden while learning more about the changing climate in your area. Investing in a little research with your county extension agent might also save you cash otherwise invested into a disappointing garden that’s not designed to stand up to a changing climate.

Plant Selection I’ve finally outgrown the habit of choosing non-native, non-local and hybridized species which sometimes don’t do well under the best conditions and are certain to fail to thrive with the challenges that come with global warming. Look for heritage varieties that you can save seeds or take cuttings from. When purchasing plant starts, make sure you ascertain that they are from a local greenhouse and are grown specifically for your area. If you live in an area where rainfall is predicted to drop, check out regions close by with less rainfall and choose native plantings (especially large trees and shrubs) that thrive in a more arid climate. Here in Puget Sound, we are trending to more rainfall, more snow, longer and colder winters, so I will adjust accordingly.

Lawns I have never been a fan of mowing grass (and I doubt you are, either) so I’m slowly turning the golf-course sized lawn the previous owner put in into other planting areas that more suit my lifestyle. In one part, I am letting the grass give way to the native moss and turning it back to a natural forested area. This will serve as a privacy barrier as well as eventually reverting back to a self-sustaining ecosystem. I covered good ideas for maintaining healthy lawns in the blog on May 5.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch Adding layers of biodegradable organic matter to the soil surface of your vegetable and flower beds serves as both a protective barrier and nutrient source. This will make a huge difference to water retention and help with weed control. An investment into a good composting system and worm bed will pay you back in spades. I’ve learned over the years that maintaining good soil is the primary chore for a healthy garden.

Animals and Insects Beneficial critters will need to adapt to the inevitable changes in the plants they rely on, either directly or indirectly. The timing of natural events in relation to breeding that has been fine tuned over millennia is being thrown into disarray. We can help by planting species that are beneficial and provide food sources for insects, birds and other animals that help our gardening efforts. The recent concern in the decline of butterflies and bees is a concern and providing habitats such as Mason bee blocks and planting butterfly attractors will be a great boon to your success.

This will give you some ideas to start with and we’ll revisit this in later blogs.