Gardening = Energy Savings!
Gas prices have reached record highs. And, they are still climbing. Oil and
gas prices this winter promises to be 25% to 50% or more higher. Where does
it all end? How can you manage on your income?
Experts are going to give you lots of ideas on how to conserve energy, and
how to cope with rising prices. As gardeners, we have additional resources
and insights to help us to save pennies, and even dollars, on our energy
costs.
Let's use gardening wisdom to put a dent in your energy bill. Here are some
neat ways that you can save on energy costs while enjoying and extending
your garden hobby.
Energy Saving Garden Ideas:
Landscaping to create windbreaks that reduce the chilling effect that
a cold winter wind has on your house. If you are just starting, look for
evergreens, and quick growing shrubs like
arborvitaes.
Strategically placing shrubs and arborvitaes to the west of your driveway
reduces drifting snow. That translates to less use of your snowblower.
Adding flowers gardens reduces lawn size. That translates to less
mowing, a gas saver. So, if you were thinking about adding a flower bed or
berm in your yard, do it now!
Let the sunshine in! In the winter, southern facing windows receive
the most sunlight. Get out the clippers and the saws. Cut and trim away trees,
shrubs, branches and even twigs that block the sunlight. Remember, every
little bit helps.
Root Cellars have it all over freezers. There's no energy cost and
many fruits and vegetables will last for months. Creating and using root
cellars is still alive and well in America. Give it a try.
Mulch around the house. You mulch around roses to keep the canes from
freezing. You add mulch over flower bulbs to prevent them from freezing,
too. Take some of that mulch and push it generously up against the cement
foundation of your house. Three to six inches will make a difference.
Important note: Do not mulch up against wood, aluminum, or vinyl
siding.
Drying herbs, fruits, and vegetables without a dehydrator. Sure its'
the old fashioned way. But, it works. And, it doesn't take a bit of energy.
Cooking and canning on cool/cold nights. If you're canning on a hot
day, the heat from the oven is battling the air conditioner. Only the energy
company wins. We like to wait until a cool night, and we make a big vat of
homemade soup with all sorts of garden veggies. We cook it until near bedtime.
The heat is just enough to keep the chill out of the house. Soup tastes
better the second day anyway.
Canning versus freezing may not may not save you energy. It takes
more energy to can foods. But, keeping a freezer running all year, ultimately
costs more. If you keep other items in the freezer all year, this is a moot
point.
Foundation plants help to keep your home warmer in the winter and
cooler in summer. They act as an insulator and a wind break. Evergreens work
best.
Grow Corn! The demand and price for corn has sky rocketed. This important
food crop for humans and livestock is now being used to create ethanol. Homegrown
corn tastes better and saves you $$$$.
Collect Rainwater - It's free. Use buckets or barrels under your
downspouts. Important: Make sure it is securely covered, so kids can't fall
into it and get hurt. Also, empty it frequently, to avoid mosquitos and other
water borne pests.
Got some ideas to share? Send your suggestions to
gardener@gardenersnet.com
Another great way to save gas is to do your shopping online. We have
a great selection of garden, backyard and seasonal merchandise.
Shop now!
More Information:
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
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