Take the right care of your yard | News | hometownnewsbrevard.com – Hometown News

Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, is the perfect time to practice being a master backyarder, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, community parks and other green spaces.

Backyarding is the act of taking activities that we normally do inside, out to our yards and parks, according to the foundation. Master backyarders elevate backyarding, using their personal and community green space for everything from working and exercising to entertaining and relaxing.

Master backyarders also understand the benefits of our yards and other community green spaces to the environment, stated Kris Kiser, foundation president and CEO, in a news release. Every day is Earth Day for master backyarders. They plant for pollinators, know to put the right plant in the right place, and recognize their backyard as an important part of the connected ecosystem.

The foundation encourages everyone to use Earth Day as an opportunity to practice being a master backyarder.

Here are a few tips:

Remember the Golden Rule of Backyarding: Right plant, right place. Putting the right plant in the right place is the key to successful master backyarding. It goes beyond identifying plants that will do better in sun versus shade. Master backyarders select plants that will thrive in their climate zone and work to create a backyard that supports their familys lifestyle. Use the USDAs Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/.

Plant with pollinators in mind. Master backyarders understand yards and community parks are an important part of the connected ecosystem, providing food and shelter for pollinators. They plant with birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other creatures in mind.

Water wisely. After getting new plants started, master backyarders only water when necessary. Over-watered grass gets lazy, growing roots in a horizontal pattern. But with less water, grass sends its roots deeper vertically seeking water.

Bone up on backyard benefits. Master backyarders use the outdoors for activities like dining, entertaining, working and even vacationing. For humans, backyarding benefits include lower stress, increased happiness and improved memory. For the health of the planet, green space captures carbon, produces oxygen and prevents runoff.

Watch Lucky Dog on CBS for inspiration. Master backyarders arent too proud to take their backyarding cues from their furry friends. Afterall, no one loves and appreciates yards and green spaces more than dogs. On Earth Day, the foundation will be featured on the CBS show Lucky Dog. This episode highlights the Mulligans Mutt Madness pet adoption event at Equip Exposition, which helps rescue dogs find forever homes.

For more information, visit TurfMutt.com.

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Take the right care of your yard | News | hometownnewsbrevard.com - Hometown News