Sketch a sun map

Is your yard, balcony or windowsill in full shade, part shade, full sun or a combination? No need to guess. Find out how to map or sketch the sun’s daily pattern. You’ll save time and money planting in the correct places and learn how to interpret instruction tags on plants.

“Full sun” means the site receives more than six hours of sunlight each day. Beware of frost pockets (dips or the lowest part of your yard) and note if you need wind protection.

Ditch the grass

Use sheet mulch instead of tearing up sod. Put down about three layers of cardboard (free from tape and/or staples) to smother the lawn. Then add soil, compost or raised beds and get planting annuals and perennials — maybe start a food forest!

Free arborist wood chips are great for trails between beds. Call a tree-trimming company to ask for a free load or flag down a truck chipping in your neighbourhood.

Tip: Fill raised beds with 30 to 40 centimetres of soil and compost.

switch from mow to grow with these nine alternatives

Keep a planting journal

Record what you planted and where, and how it did. That’ll make it easier to plant crops next season. Or take pictures and draw a map of beds and containers. Timing is everything. Check regional planting guides to avoid failed crops and a broken heart! For vegetables and herbs, check out these guides. For native plants and wildflowers that attract pollinators, learn about your specific ecoregion within Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia.

Amend soil with compost

Backyard compost (fully decomposed) is a simple way to feed your garden and build up organic matter. Good store-bought compost brands will be free from plant disease, weed seeds and agricultural herbicides. Research a source or ask a retailer. Eco-conscious gardeners avoid peat moss because peatlands store carbon. And when the living layers of centuries-old bogs are mined, carbon dioxide is released (among other negative biodiversity consequences). Municipal compost can be good, although not good enough for certified organic farmers.

Want to create your own organic compost? Here are some simple do’s and don’ts. Composting is cheap and easy, and can turn some of your yard trimmings and kitchen scraps into plant food!

Test your soil

Soil health is important. Urban soils can sometimes contain contaminants like heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium) that make their way into fruits and veggies. Check to see if any local organizations that promote urban gardening test soil samples for free! And learn more about healthy gardening practices.

How do contaminants get into your garden?

• Through rain.
• Wind moves dust from the street.
• Vehicle emissions (backyards are less at risk than front yards or boulevard gardens).

How to prevent or reduce risks of soil contamination?

• A neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5) can immobilize or bind lead, zinc and cadmium. Many metals are more bioavailable in acidic soils.
• Leaves are great for mulch, providing a protective blanket come fall and winter. They’ll help insulate roots in winter and keep them cool in summer. But don’t collect leaves from roadsides.
• Don’t plant edibles within three metres of buildings or busy streets where lead levels are highest.
• Don’t make garden beds from chemically treated wood like railroad ties or pressure-treated lumber.