The new year is upon us and as is tradition, it’s time to set some resolutions!  While many of us focus on getting in shape, eating well, reading more, and so on, how about adding a sustainability goal in there as well?!  Taking a break from the treadmill and setting some fun resolutions for your landscape can be a really rewarding way to start the new decade.  Here are some South Bay Green Gardens ideas to get you started: 

• Attend a fun gardening class or two.  From winter fruit tree pruning to cover crops to spring garden tips, you’ll find amazing free classes throughout Santa Clara County on our Events page. 

• Get your soil in tip-top shape.  Healthy plants start with healthy soil, so why not make it a goal to work a couple inches of compost into your soil, top off your mulch, or start a compost bin for the new year? 

• Foster your relationship with insects. Work on those relationship goals by resolving to reduce or eliminate pesticide use in the garden, plant some pollinator friendly native plants, or add some fun insect habitat elements such as an insect hotel or a shallow bird bath.

• Diversify your water portfolio. Reduce your reliance on potable water by adding rainwater capture elements such as a rain barrel, cistern or rain garden or make your landscape more drought resilient by installing a Graywater Laundry to Landscape system. Better yet, get a rebate while you’re at it!

• Spruce up your irrigation system. Reduce water waste in the landscape by dialing in your irrigation schedule to better fit your plant’s needs, getting a free Water Wise Outdoor Irrigation Survey, or upgrading inefficient equipment through Valley Water’s Landscape Rebate Program.

Let us know what your sustainable landscape resolutions are this year!