Green Thumb

Detox your backyard by growing a lush green lawn and bountiful summer garden without chemical herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides. The upsides of naturally green lawns and gardens are numerous, but the biggest impact you’ll have by switching to organic products is on your local water supply and on the children, pets, and neighbors who won’t have to risk pesticide exposure when enjoying your yard or garden.

Suppliers like Gardens Alive, Gardeners Supply Company, and Planet Natural, can help even the most amateur gardener go green with plentiful advice and a great array of eco-friendly products. However, before you toss your old chemical gardening supplies in the trash, call your local sanitation department to see if your local dump or drop-off center can properly dispose of the products for you. If you’re a city-dweller, not to worry, even a window box or rooftop garden can be a green space. Urban gardeners will find a great selection of handy products on Gaiam.com, including kitchen-size composting materials and supplies. If you can’t find seeds and plants locally, try buying your seeds online from organic retailers like Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply.

Whether you decide to transform your backyard into a green oasis or just plant a kitchen garden, check out the websites below for all the gear and inspiration you’ll need to develop a green thumb.