Gardening helps to bring you in tune with nature plus it’s a great way to reduce your grocery bills now that food prices are on the rise.

There are many different ways to “work your land” so this Earth Day, roll up your sleeves and dig in with the following tips:

Homegrown

Nothing beats the taste of homegrown veggies that are free of chemicals and pesticides. If you’re short on space, most veggies can also be grown vertically with an obelisk trellis.

Water Wise

Using a rain barrel to collect water that runs off your roof not only saves you money and reduces runoff but the water you collect is much better for your garden than tap water as it’s naturally pure.

A Dirty Job

Kitchen and garden waste can be composted to create a homemade fertilizer which is referred to as “gardener’s gold” due to its rich nutrients. Composting also significantly reduces garbage waste.

Pick Your Plants

Whether you’re planting flowers or vegetables, try to pick local varieties that are easy to maintain. It’s also nice to have flowers that will attract garden-friendly creatures such as bugs, bees and butterflies.

Hug a Tree

Trees remove contaminants from the air while providing a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. They can also save energy by keeping your home cool in the hot summer months.

Growing an environmentally friendly, pesticide-free garden is a rewarding experience as it can save you money while saving the planet at the same time.

This Earth Day, roll up your sleeves, dig deep and have some fun getting dirty in your own backyard!