Gardening With Less Waste

Start Composting (or keep it up!)

Why do we love composting? Let us count the ways! Composting majorly cuts down on food waste, negates the need for chemical-based fertilizers, does an incredible job of amending soil, and so much more. It may seem a little daunting at first, but small baby steps will eventually lead you down a path of easy composting in no time.

Mama Natural has a super simple guide to help you get started, but us Kindred folks are major composting nerds and would love to answer any questions you may have or point you in the direction of more resources.

One beautiful thing about composting is that it technically doesn’t require any special tools. All you truly need to get started is a receptacle to catch your food waste and dump it into your designated compost heap (we recommend this one for keeping smells to a minimum)! However, finding a way to contain your compost is recommended -- for easier turning and to keep critters at bay -- and if you choose to go that route you have a lot of options. Here is a great list to sort through; from a lifted tumbler to recycled pallet systems, there is something out there for everyone.

Reuse Containers

Someday, all of our favorite nurseries and gardening supply shops will hop on the biodegradable container train. When that day comes, we will celebrate by buying copious amounts of plants! Until then, it’s up to us to make sure that the plastic we take home stays in use for as long as possible. One way to make the most of plastic plant pots is to use them for sprouting your seedlings in the spring, before the last frost and planting begins.

If you’re looking for a sustainable way to start a container garden or just in search of some beautiful decorative flower pots, head to your local thrift store and enjoy hunting for containers second hand.

Invest in Supplies that Last

You’ll hear us say this time and time again: always start by using what you have. It’s the easiest way to begin living more sustainably and the first thing we recommend to those who are interested in living a low waste lifestyle. Next up, invest in products and supplies that will last a long time. Otherwise, find items that can easily be recycled or broken down naturally. These same tenets apply to low waste gardening, as well.

Strong metal pruners for herb trimming, a heavy-duty apron for easy tool storage, and a bristle nail brush for scrubbing post-gardening are all durable products that are thoughtfully made and will stand the test of time. They have the Kindred stamp of approval!

We are sending lots of green thumb vibes your way as you begin to plan your spring gardening endeavors. Let us know how we can best support you and your horticultural dreams.