Digging In Without Plastic: 5 Ways to Celebrate National Gardening Day the Eco-Friendly Way

Today is National Gardening Day, and with spring blooming, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get your hands in the dirt! There’s something special about growing your own food, and nothing tastes quite as fresh as a tomato picked straight from the vine.

I learned that from my grandmother, who gardened her whole life in Tennessee. Sitting on her porch, watching her flowers and vegetables thrive, I came to appreciate how magical and grounding gardening can be. Even now, with a few tomato plants in my Florida yard, I feel that same joy.

But here’s something worth keeping in mind: just like micro and nanoplastics can end up in our bodies, they can also find their way into the foods we grow. When we eat that food, we are also ingesting those plastic chemicals, which have been associated with many health issues ranging from endocrine disruption to cancer. That’s why avoiding plastic in the garden matters — for your health, your harvest, and the planet.

Here are five simple ways to keep your garden thriving and plastic-free:

Swap Plastic Tools for Wood and Metal

Plastic tools might be cheap and convenient, but they’re not always reliable — and over time, they can break down and leach microplastics into your soil. Since they don’t last long, you often end up spending more in the long run replacing them. On the other hand, tools made from wood and metal are sturdier, longer-lasting, and often just feel better in your hands. They’re built to handle real work, and with a little care, they can last for years. Some of my favorite tools were secondhand finds, and they’ve served me faithfully season after season.

Avoid Plastic Pots

Plastic pots and seedling trays are fairly common, but they shed plastic into the soil they surround. Luckily, there are plenty of creative and sustainable alternatives. Terracotta, ceramic, and coir pots are great choices — and reusing old containers works just as well. Got an old boot lying around? Turn it into a planter! Not only do these options cut down on plastic, they also add charm and character to your garden, creating a more welcoming space for your plants to thrive.

Compost and Skip Plastic-Heavy Chemicals

Bagged fertilizers and pesticides often come in plastic packaging, and even with plastics in them. They can leave behind chemical residues that end up in your food. A better option is to set up a compost bin and feed your soil with your own food scraps. Composting not only keeps plastics out of your garden, it also reduces food waste, saves money, and builds healthier, more nutrient-rich soil. Even if you don’t have space at home, many areas have community composting programs you can join.

When it comes to managing weeds and pests, there are plenty of natural alternatives. Instead of using plastic weed barriers, try laying down cardboard or spreading mulch — both break down naturally and help enrich the soil. For pests, simple homemade sprays using garlic, chili, neem oil, or even soapy water can do the trick. They’re gentler on your plants and far better for the environment.

Use Rain Barrels Instead of Plastic Irrigation Systems

Instead of relying on plastic irrigation setups, try collecting rainwater in barrels. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to water your garden while cutting down on both plastic use and your water bill. Your plants will love the fresh, untreated rainwater — and once you’ve got a system in place, it’s a low-maintenance solution that works with nature, not against it. 

Get Your Seeds from Local Swaps and Gardeners

Most seed packets come wrapped in plastic, but local seed swaps and gardening communities offer a more sustainable (and often more exciting) option. Swapping seeds with neighbors or fellow gardeners cuts down on packaging waste and connects you with varieties that thrive in your area. Some of my favorite plants have come from these swaps — and they’re also a great way to learn, share stories, and grow your gardening community right alongside your plants.

Take Action for Earth Day

This National Gardening Day, try these simple swaps to make your garden as healthy and plastic-free as possible. Plastic is inside every one of us — but we can do something about it,  Change can start with the plants in your backyard!

This Earth Day on April 22nd, we’re calling on everyone to take action in their communities. Host or join an Earth Action Day, invite your local leaders to create a waste-free future, or find a cleanup near you through The Great Global Cleanup. Every action adds up. Let’s build a world without plastic, starting right at home.

---

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

Tags:

• holidays and seasons