Cultivating Sustainability from the Ground Up
Spring in Saskatchewan has a way of waking us up—the sun rises earlier and lingers longer, the ice disappears almost overnight, and there’s that familiar itch to go outside and get our hands in the dirt. Earlier this year, my friend bought a house with a big garden and asked if I could help her plant it. We both grew up with parents that gardened, but this was our first time planting a garden ourselves. If you know me, you’ll know that I first had to do some research on how we could make this project low-waste and with sustainability in mind.
So, we “dug right in”.
Whether you have a backyard or a balcony, zero-waste gardening is totally possible. It’s about making intentional choices that reduce our impact on the environment while growing something beautiful (and often edible). Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
🌱 Embrace Composting: Turn Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold
Composting is the cornerstone of zero-waste gardening. By transforming kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, you not only reduce landfill contributions but also enrich your garden beds. There are a bunch of resources in the SWRC and Saskatchewan city websites on how you can compost kitchen scraps and yard waste to use in your garden:
- City Composting Pages:
- Compost Bins: How-To Guide (Saskatoon)
- How to Use Compost (Regina)
- Compost & Woodchips (Swift Current)
- The Composting in 60 Seconds video series.
- SWRC’s composting page.
- Saskatoon’s Compost Depot
- Regina Yard Waste Depot – I also learned that Regina had a week where they were giving out free Compost May 8-11 near the Yard Waste Depot on Fleet Street.
My friend and I both use Saskatoon’s Green Cart program and did not have finished compost for prepping the garden beds, so we opted to pick up finished compost from the Saskatoon Compost Depot, where Saskatoon residents can access nutrient-rich compost and mulch for their lawns and gardens.
🌾 Utilize Mulch to Conserve Moisture and Suppress Weeds
Applying organic mulch—such as leaves, woodchips, or grass clippings—helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth. I learned that for an annual garden, where soil is more likely to be stirred or tilled, it is best to stick to softer mulches like leaves, straw, or grass clippings. We ended up using some mulch also from the Compost Depot.
SWRC Tip: The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council recommends fresh grass clippings be spread in thin layers to prevent matting, but dried out clippings, leaves, or straw can be spread several inches deep. Leave a little room clear around the stems of smaller plants for airflow (saskwastereduction.ca).
🌼 Choose Native and Perennial Plants
Opting for native and perennial plants reduces the need for watering and fertilizer. These plants are adapted to Saskatchewan’s climate, making them more resilient and less resource-intensive.
There are plenty of fruit trees, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs suitable for growing in the prairies, such as: cherries, haskaps, Saskatoon berries, apples, spinach, lettuce, beans, and cucumbers, oregano, basil, sage, dill, and mint. (Gardening at USask)
We planted cucumbers, dill, spinach, and carrots.
The University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture & Bioresources has a ton of resources to help Saskatchewanian gardeners including:
- the best annual, perennial, and native plants for the Prairies and Northern Canada
- specific different plants and strategies on how to manage a garden, pesticide-free
🛠️ Repurpose and Reuse Materials
In my research, I found many gardeners who shared creative ways to reduce reliance on new materials by repurposing household items. For instance, toilet paper rolls can serve as biodegradable seed starters, and old containers can be transformed into planters. This is something we want to try out next year when we advance from rookie gardening status and move into planting from seeds!
💧 Harvest Rainwater for Irrigation
Collecting rainwater is an effective way to conserve water and reduce dependence on municipal supplies. Setting up rain barrels allows you to capture and store water for use during dry spells, ensuring your garden remains hydrated without straining local resources.
🌿 Practice No-Till Gardening
No-till gardening involves minimal soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and promoting microbial activity. This method enhances soil health, reduces erosion, and supports a thriving underground ecosystem, all while decreasing the need for chemical fertilizers. (Gardening at USask).
Starting a zero-waste garden doesn’t require a farm or fancy equipment. It starts with a garden box, a few reused containers, and a little bit of curiosity. Whether you’re growing on a patio in Regina, a yard in Saskatoon, or a balcony in Prince Albert, there’s always a way to dig in.
So grab your garden trowel, save your kitchen scraps, and see what grows. Your future self—and the planet—will thank you.
