“Sustainable gardening” is a cool term if I’ve ever heard one. It sounds edgy in an incredibly responsible sort of way. In suburban farmer (that would be me) speak it’s: “Do no evil.”
Sustainable gardening is a term that has no technical definition. It’s the concept of using gardening practices that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to actually enhance it. Words that define “sustain” and “sustenance” are support, preserve, keep alive, maintain, reinforce, and nourishment. These words help paint the picture. By practicing sustainable gardening, you practice good environmental stewardship. Do no evil; that’s it.
Don’t take this to mean that I don’t occasionally break out the pesticidal or fungal frame hammer if need be. But, how often do I really need to? I’ll be honest – not so much. One of my biggest battles is with powdery mildew on roses or vine crops. Roses are the one plant I’ll quietly break out the secret poison stash for once in a while.