Sustainable is the current buzzword for doing things naturally and so working with nature rather then against it by using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While it is sometimes easier to attack your weeds with a spray you bought from the garden center there is often an alternative organic way of dealing with the problem that is both cheaper and more ecologically friendly. These ten tips for a sustainable garden come from an article by Karen Weir-Jimerson which I found on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

Sustainable gardening uses resources in a smart and ecologically-minded way. The happy result of gardening this way means you’ll have less waste, use less chemicals, and overall, gardening will cost less. Here are 10 ways to have a sustainable garden
1. Go Organic.

Using less chemicals in your garden is more ecologically sound — and more cost effective. If you’re raising food for your family, gardening organically is even more important. Start from the ground up by building good soil, rich in nutrients; add natural compost to amend the soil. If you discover insect pests or plant disease in your garden, treat with organic solutions.
2. Mulch Your Landscape. Not only is mulching a great way to prevent weeds from springing up in your garden, it’s also an ideal method of conserving soil moisture. In areas with watering restrictions, this is especially important. Add a 2 to 3-inch layer of the mulch of your choice to your garden beds and around landscape plants. Sustainable mulch options include: shredded bark, cocoa bean hulls, pine needles, grass clippings, and coir (made from coconut hulls).
3. Plant Natives.

Plants that are indigenous to your region are called natives. These plants take less work, usually require less water, and thrive better than other perennials because they are already suited to your climate, rainfall, and soil types. Additionally, native plant species provide food and shelter for the native insect and bird populations.

See more at Better Homes and Gardens