Gardening
Growing healthy plants while caring for the land.
Gardening is more than just growing plants. It’s about nurturing healthy soil, conserving water, and creating spaces that support people, pollinators, and wildlife. Whether you’re tending a backyard vegetable plot, a community garden, or a small urban farm, using sustainable gardening practices can improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and create a thriving, resilient landscape.
How to Garden with Conservation in Mind:
- Use compost to enrich your soil – Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste creates nutrient-rich soil that helps plants thrive.
- Install raised beds – Raised garden beds improve drainage, reduce compaction, and provide better control over soil quality.
- Incorporate crop rotation – Rotate plants each season to reduce soil depletion and manage pests naturally.
- Mulch your garden beds – Organic mulch retains moisture, prevents weed growth, and improves soil health over time.
Reduce water usage – Water deeply and less frequently to encourage plant roots to grow deeper, promoting drought tolerance.
Explore Conservation Resources
This publication provides an introduction to wild bee biodiversity and offers methods for monitoring these essential pollinators. It encourages citizen scientists to contribute to conservation efforts through simple observation techniques.
This national initiative aims to enhance agricultural literacy among students by providing educators with resources and lesson plans that integrate agricultural concepts into various subjects.
This publication provides comprehensive guidance on planning, planting, and maintaining a successful vegetable garden in Washington State, including information on climate considerations, soil preparation, and crop selection.
This resource provides a directory of plant and seed vendors in the Pacific and Inland Northwest, including parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It lists suppliers for various plant materials, aiding in the selection of appropriate sources for conservation and restoration projects.
Provides lesson plans and activities focused on agriculture and climate science for elementary students.
Offers comprehensive units for high school students on topics like climate change, agronomy, and sustainable agriculture.
The WSU Master Gardener Program website offers a wealth of research-based gardening information and resources for home gardeners, including free fact sheets and publications. Additionally, the program provides educational outreach through classes, workshops, demonstrations, and field days to support sustainable gardening practices.
Get Involved!
Find your local Conservation District to learn how you can make a difference.
Learn More
