#gardeing

The number one cause of population decline in species is from habitat loss. It is a major global threat, only 75% of the land surface of earth is considered habitable, the rest being taken up by deserts, tundras, or glaciers. Humans occupy about 45% of the Earth's land surface with the majority of that going to farming. That leaves only 30% left as wilderness. With the human population expanding exponentially the amount of land we occupy will have to increase. This leaves many of the worlds species at an increasingly high risk of extinction if they cannot adapt to living in an urban environment.

That sound like a pretty huge and overwhelming problem but the good news is there is something you can do about it. Ditch the lawn. On average 70% of the yards in america are made up of cool season mowed grass lawns. These lawns offer very little to wildlife in terms of food shelter or water. What you can do is take some or even all of your lawn and turn it into a wildlife garden! This will help the animals in your neighborhood have a place to live, make your yard more beautiful, and bring nature into your daily life.

Step 1: Find out what animals are in your area.You can usually find this information pretty easily on line or you can call your local ODNR for information.My recommendation is to pick 5 species you would like to attracks, remember to consider mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Also consider the size of your yard and how much work you would like to do. Larger mammals will need a lot more space than insects.

Step 2: Find out what they need. Remember the 4 needs food, water, shelter, a place to rise young. You will need to do some research on your chosen species to find out what kinds of trees they like, what there favorite foods are, if they need cover to hide in, what kind of breeding boxes they like, what invasive species threaten them. Etc.

Step 3: Figure out what you have.  Consider the potential benefits your current plants offer offer in the form of food, water, shelter, and a place for young. If the plant does not offer at least one need consider replacing it with a species that does. Remember the plants and animals of North America have had millions of years to co evolve, and are best suited to be together. Native are a the best choice.

Step 4: make a plan. The most important part of creating your beautiful natural garden will be to make a good plan. Consider how much space you have, how much time and money you want to invest, and the needs of your species. Make sure to include as much diversity in your plan as you can not just in species but topography high and blooming periods as well. Adding edges to your garden will make it more attractive and add diversity. Don't forget non living things like nesting boxes, water features, and feeders.

Step 5: Execute the plan. Prepare the site by removing all the grass and weeds. Make sure two read the instructions on your plants to see what light, moisture and soil requirements they have.  One of the benefits of native plants is that they should be well suited for your environment meaning they will need little care and once established should come up year after year. Try to keep your garden as natural as possible, a healthy garden can take care of itself.

There is an undercurrent of urgency as to why I’ve gotten into gardening. This is my version of doomsday prepping. In the event of a large scale economic collapse or environmental catastrophe, I want to be able to provide food for my loved ones. Or at very least, if times are hard, not spend money on herbs.

But this “hobby” has lead me to become obsessed with food growth in an almost distressing way. I stay up late, watching gardening videos on different conditions in case everything goes belly up soon. There is more than one time where I have sat in my underwear watching instructions on aquaponics at 3AM.

A lot of people get  into gardening for an eco-friendly hobby. Something delicate and enjoyable. But here I am, planning for the end of times. Looking into vegetable rotation, having a home compost bin, and converting our tiny front lawn into a working garden.