As summer gets closer, you may be thinking about how you plan to get your lawn ready for entertaining and your garden ready for growing. You may be hoping for a wet spring to help your lawn get a great start, but if there is a dry spell, your lawn may require you to water it once a week. This is the same for your garden, however, your vegetables and flowers will require a good watering much more often. Unfortunately, watering and fertilizers can have a devastating effect on the environment. This year, you may want to go green and strive to be ecologically smart when caring for both your lawn and your garden. The following are some tips to help you get started:

1. One of the best things you can do is to collect rain water. This water can be used to water your lawn and your garden.
2. Do not over water your lawn. Many people often over water both their garden and their lawn and wonder why they have moss growing on their driveway. It is also important on when you water your garden or lawn. It’s best in the morning to prevent as much evaporation, as possible.
3. Do not use water to clean off your driveway, walkway, or deck. Wait until you have a good rain and wash it off then. You can also use the rainwater you collected for this type of cleaning.
4. Do not use a gas powered mower. If you really want to be ecologically smart, you can get a push mower and use this on your lawn to cut the grass. If your lawn is too large to use a push mower, you will find electric models that are much better for the environment than a gas mower.
5. Start a compost pile. All of this matter will eventually turn into fertilizer for your garden.
6. Don’t rake your lawn after you mow. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn and you’ll find they will make a great fertilizer. If you like the clean look, rake them up and add them to your compost pile.
7. Use eco-friendly fertilizers for both your lawn and garden. These non-toxic will be much better for your plants and you won’t have to worry about them harming any wildlife.
8. Use all-natural products to get rid of garden pests. Utilize plants that keep pests away. Peppermint is a natural deterrent of ants and other insects, while garlic will help keep aphids away. Do your research and you may be surprised that by planting the right things, you will have no unwanted insects in your garden.
9. Instead of lighting your outdoors with electric lights, buy solar powered lights. You will be surprised by how much you can save on your electric bill when you place solar lights throughout your outdoor area.
10. Last, but not least, if you live in an area with drought, do not be afraid to go with a synthetic type lawn. It will still look great, but not require any water.