Earth Day Special: DIY Indoor Garden

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Happy earth Day! On this Earth Day we are going to go green literally. My friend’s backyard is our first stop and it is one of my favorite DIY gardens in Brooklyn. Victoria has an eclectic mix repurposed items that she use to create her own urban oasis. Using recycled coffee cans, calendars, bird cages and eve old tires as the buildings blocks for a unique outdoor garden I was particularly impressed with the bird bath created out of an old plant stand and recycled tub. What makes this garden even greener is the composting pen, you can get your own at the Botanical Gardens or through the city. If your city does not offer one, inquire about this at your local gardening center.

Composting naturally recycles perishables and helps to give back what you take from the earth. Here are some every day household items that you can compost. The trick is finding an equal balance between the browns and the greens. This balance is what helps everything decompose. Once you get started you are on your way to creating a nutrient rich soil for your green garden.

Do you guys have any good tips for growing plants in the city so urban -- people living in an urban environment have a way to lighten up their living space with nice green plants?

When we return I will help you with your urban gardening.

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To create your own indoor garden, you just need repurposed vessels, potting soil and ideally use organic compost, small gravel and a scoop. Lay down a protective layer so that you do not get your floor dirty. First, you take your container and put a couple of scoops of gravel in the bottom. You then put down a thick layer of soil but enough room for roots to grow. Take a rooted plant and gently place it in its new home. Scoop soil around the base of the plant until the roots are fully covered and protected. Give your newly potted plants a hardy does of water to help it establish a healthy root system. Place it where it will catch some rays so it can flourish.

Having an indoor garden cleans the air and helps circulate nitrous energy. If you are not ready to exercise your green thumb, you can virtually plant trees for the Trees For The Future. You can order a tree kit online or donate money to plant a growth. From the comfort of your own home you can make a difference through the NRDC’s Bio Gems program. With a few clicks, write letters to State Senators and Congressman about the endangered species and land masses that need representation. Keep informed and get involved. To reward yourself for all this tree hugging, get one that will hug you back at HiTree. An every day reminder to be a little kinder to mother earth.

Litter is something I fail to understand. It really just takes a moment to take responsibility for the wastes we create.

This week’s quick tip, do not litter.

A big congrats to Robin Corrine for snagging the ever so honorable nomination of a Webby Award. Head over to the website to register and vote. ThreadBanger has always been a green network encouraging recycling and less consumption. Make the green vote and vote for ThreadBanger. Big props to 11 year old Ramona for keeping the art of correspondence alive with this amazing hand written letter. Art for life Ramona. Art for life.

Thanks for spending your Earth Day with us. What green tips do you have? Shoot them and send them in or leave us a comment below. Until next week, start greening your nest.

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