Ten Easy Steps to the Organic Garden of Your Dreams:

If you’ve ever walked by a neighbor’s yard and thought, “I’ll have what she’s having” – if you’ve ever experienced overwhelming garden lust – this list is for you. The secret really is in the soil.

1. Why sexy soil? Easy. It’s the best “breeding ground” for any flower or veggie that you plant. It nourishes your nasturtiums, caresses your carrots with compost and supports your sunflowers. The best news is once you have it, you won’t need any toxic chemicals to make your garden to grow. If your soil thrives, your plants will, too.

2. What’s your type? Before you begin, decide if you’re crazy for daisies or if you’re really a lettuce lover. Be realistic as to your climate, garden size, and time commitment.

3. Lighten up. Watch the sun to check its daily path across your garden. Every plant has different light needs and this may help you choose.

4. Pick a partner. Next, head to your local nursery with a soil sample, and let the soil expert know what you’d like to plant – flowers, veggies, herbs, succulents, etc. Most importantly, let them know you plan to make this an organic activity. They’ll help determine if your soil is sandy, has too much clay or if you’re very lucky, naturally loamy.

5. Good dirt. It’s easy to crumble and light so it can absorb nutrients and water. You’re creating living soil that ultimately maintains itself with proper care. You’ll get a feel for it if you scoop out some potting soil at the nursery. Whether you’re planning a big plot or a few containers, the nursery can help you with amendments to fix yours or simple potting mix.

6. Dirty talk. What do you mean you don’t like to get your hands dirty? For those trying to maintain a manicure, there are some terrific garden gloves created by and for women.

7. Fork play. While we’re on the subject, like any new relationship, the right tools transform digging from drudgery to delight. Spades, trowels, weeders and forks are basics that will make your life easier. Buy the best you can afford.

8. Do you compost? No, that’s not a personal question. If you have the space, it’s the best way to amend your soil and recycle kitchen scraps.

9. Making your bed. Getting the plot or pot ready for planting is the garden equivalent to preparing a gorgeous, fluffy bed. Whether you’re amending or adding compost, turning the soil well is all-important. Be sure to turn the soil deeply and thoroughly so your plants of choice can snuggle in and put down roots.

10. Digging in. Before you plant, place the pots where you envision them. Be sure not to overcrowd the plants. They need room to grow and spread in the living home you’ve created for them.

Editor’s note: Bonnie Trust Dahan is the best-selling author of Garden House: Bringing the Outdoors In.

Image: Simon Grossi

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The above headline is a paraphrase of a question a reader emailed us with (and one that is commonly asked by those seeking to go green).

Creating eco-friendly interior lighting without sacrificing a warm ambience is not as difficult as it may seem. One obvious way to do this with existing lamps and fixtures is to replace bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Like many green ideas, this one also brings a cost benefit as the bulbs not only use less energy but have longer lives. Be sure to make your selections carefully as there are now many “natural light” versions of these bulbs that cast a more golden, rather than blue, light. In fact, most CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) now indicate if they are “cool” or “warm”, so you can choose the best bulbs for everything from task work to ambient light.

Candlelight creates instant ambience – when used strategically. Clusters of tea lights or votives in short colored glass on a dining room table or sideboard provide softer, flattering light for your guests while allowing for easy eye contact and dinner conversation. Tall tapers on a mantelpiece add drama and evocative light. Try a variety of different pillar sizes in staggered heights for a sculptural look. Just be sure that you always choose beeswax, soy or vegetable wax blends – never paraffin.

My favorite and most truly environmental approach is to look to the natural world right outside your windows, skylights and doorways for help. Especially in spring and summer with more available daylight, consider opening or removing heavy curtains or drapes, or raising blinds to let the light shine in.  You may discover an entirely new view of your rooms that can inspire editing or rearranging furniture and décor accents for a fresh seasonal update.

Image: chadpaul

The post Will Energy-Efficient Lighting Ruin the Warm Ambience of My Home? appeared first on EcoSalon.