Having trouble with your plants? Perhaps it's not the weather or your green thumb going haywire but the gardening materials you're using, as a recent TikTok video reminds us.
Posted by the popular gardening and lifestyle brand Blossom and Branch Farm (@blossomandbranchfarm), this video shines a light on the two most problematic words in home gardening: landscaping fabric.
@blossomandbranchfarm Landscape fabric isn't actually fabric, it's plastic. And it's widely used in landscaping and on market farms. (Pssst the same is true of most "fabric" grow bags). UV rays and moisture serve to break down this plastic over time, releasing tiny particles of macro and microplastics into the soil. Research has shown this and studies also have indicated that these reside in soil for thousands of years and affect the function of the soil microorganisms. In addition to now holding more microplastics than our oceans, soil is key to human health and these plastics prove a threat to our food safety. It's not only these plastic mulches (and yes, biodegradable mulches are also questionable as the conditions have to be just right for the microplastics in biodegradable plastic to truly ever biodegrade), it's the use of biosludge based composts or "biosolids" and bagged soils and fertilizers that contribute to this issue. Combined with plastic seed trays, plastic bags of soil, plastic pots and grow bags... what a plastic garden we are being sold. Ugh. #soilhealth #gardening #landscaping #garden #sustainablelifestyle ♬ Halloween - Noah Kahan
Though convenient in theory, landscaping fabric is a controversial material designed to prevent weed growth that instead often damages desired plant growth. It's a waste of money for gardeners and is harmful to plants and soil since the fabric contains plastic.
In the caption of the video, Blossom and Branch Farm writes: "Landscape fabric isn't actually fabric, it's plastic…UV rays and moisture serve to break down this plastic over time, releasing tiny particles of macro and microplastics into the soil…In addition to now holding more microplastics than our oceans, soil is key to human health and these plastics prove a threat to our food safety."
Suffice it to say, using landscape fabric does far more harm to your plants than it does good. A much easier and more efficient way to garden is by introducing native plants. A natural lawn can save you significant money and time on maintenance and can lower water bills.
In addition, they also create a healthier ecosystem for pollinators, which ultimately benefits everyone, as pollinators protect our food supply. Even a partial lawn replacement can provide these same benefits.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Commenters mostly responded with appreciation for the heads-up and the solutions and demonstrations in the video.
"This is why it's taking me so long to build my garden beds," one user wrote. "I refuse to use plastic in my garden!"
"Thank you, I truly don't understand why people use this fabric ESPECIALLY in home gardens!!" another well-liked response read. "It's horrible for the earth, and takes forever to pull up!!!"
|
What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Not enough time ⏳ 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
Cool Picks
