People got their hands “dirty” and spent their pandemic time gardening. As interest deepens, it may be time to shift tactics toward a horticulture approach that is more eco-friendly, writes Davis Giangiulio for Main Line Today.

Melissa Mattingley, nursery manager and buyer at Malvern’s Main Line Gardens, recommends composting.

Composting is simply adding organic material — food scraps, lawn clippings — to soil to help plants grow.

“If you’re doing home gardening with your own composted soil, you’re less likely to use as many weed preventers and bug sprays,” she said.

Using compost as fertilizer is not only eco-friendly but adds a whole new level to gardening that makes it more addictive.

“You get bigger and better plants,” said Mattingley.

The location of the plots is also crucial, as the amount of sun determines how plants will thrive. Additionally, choosing plants based on the time you can devote to them is key.

“Gardening can be very high maintenance,” said Mattingley. “But there are low-maintenance plants, as well.”

Read more about eco-friendly gardening in Main Line Today.