Windermere Napa Valley Properties
Ted Stumpf, Windermere Napa Valley PropertiesPhone: (707) 246-9825
Email: [email protected]

Sustainability basics for your home garden

by Ted Stumpf 07/06/2025

If you’re interested in ways to live more sustainably, one of the best places to start is your home garden. There are plenty of sustainable gardening methods that are simple, inexpensive and benefit your garden while reducing your environmental impact. No matter what type or size of garden you have, there are ways you can make it more sustainable.

Compost your food & garden waste

By composting, you can feed your home garden with DIY fertilizer while putting your organic food waste to good use. Save your kitchen scraps like eggshells, vegetable peels and coffee grounds to turn into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. You can also use your gardening waste like weeds, grass clippings and fallen leaves for compost.

Plant carefully

Choosing native plants for your home garden is another sustainable gardening practice you should consider. Native plants are already adapted to your local climate and environmental conditions, meaning they’ll flourish with less effort while supporting the ecosystem.

You can also use plants with natural pest control properties to avoid using synthetic pesticides and other harsh chemicals.

Conserve & recycle water

Water is a precious resource and necessary for happy gardens. However, there are ways you can be a more sustainable gardener with your water usage. The first thing you can do is try reducing your watering schedule, so your plants only get a drink when they really need it. This will help you save water and prevent overwatering your more sensitive plants.

Collecting and using rainwater is another excellent way to make your garden more sustainable. Even if you don’t live in a particularly rainy area, you can save up extra water runoff to use in your garden when you need it. You can purchase full rainwater collection systems, or simply have a barrel or bucket by your downspout to gather surplus.

The most sustainable gardens are efficient and make the most of the resources available, including recycled resources like water and composted nutrients. If you want to have a more sustainable garden at home, these are some great ways to start.

About the Author
Author

Ted Stumpf

Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and seven years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.

Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for 16 years now.  

The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!