Contrary to Kermit the frog’s belief, it is easy to be green in the garden. Everyone has the potential to be a green gardener. Below are a few of the primary practices to unleash your naturally green instincts.

• Recycle the Christmas tree by making a tree for the birds in your yard, creating a shelter for rabbits in the brush pile, or donating the tree to Grinding of the Greens where you can receive mulch in return.

• Recycle empty plant pots to local garden centers like Woodley’s or Millcreek.

• Turn those kitchen scraps into humus in a compost bin.

• Healthy soil is the basis of a green yard. Natural fertilizer encourages beneficial bacteria, earthworms, and fungi that build soil structure. The best fertilizer is homemade compost.

• Consider getting pet rabbits and incorporate their pellet droppings into garden soil.

Return your stash of empty plant pots to the local garden center. • Grow winter cover crops like clover, vetch, oats, rye, and wheat in garden beds to enrich the soil for spring planting.

• Find out the pH of your soil with a Clemson University Extension Service soil test.

• Reduce the lawn in the landscape by substituting native plants.

• Include native plants since they are, for the most part, disease free, heat and drought tolerant, and attract beneficial wildlife.

• Avoid the use of synthetic chemicals in the garden including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Pull weeds by hand. Pluck off insects by hand.

• Attract natural predators like birds, bats, toads, and beneficial insects to control pests.

• Collect rainwater in a rain barrel for watering the lawn and garden.

• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than spray head or sprinkler head irrigation systems to conserve water.

Plant nectar rich flowers to attract pollinators. • Place deciduous trees around the home to keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Planting trees helps remove carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis.

• Trade in power tools for muscle–power tools in the garden for a healthier you. Rake leaves rather than using a blower. Human– powered tools keep you in shape while saving energy and cash.

• Save seeds from the heirloom plants in the garden. Join a seed exchange or seed bank.

• Plant a wide selection of nectar plants to attract pollinators.