Most people assume that shopping at the Farmer’s Market ensures that the produce sold is truly organic, safely grown and healthy. Most of the time that’s true, but not always. So, we suggest asking a couple of questions to be a savvy shopper at the market this summer.

1. Is it Organic?
   Organic or not organic, that is the question. Not all vendors at the farmer’s market are organic and pesticide free. Start up a conversation with the vendor about how the food is grown and methods they chose to use on their farm.
2. Where is your farm located and who grew the food?
   Just because you can find it at your local farmer’s market, doesn’t necessarily mean it is local (within 100 miles of the market). Unless your farmer’s market is a “producer-only” market (one that only sells produce from farmers that grown on their own land), you will want to ask where the farm is located and who grew the food. Some vendors will move from one market to the next without any roots to the area you actually live in.
3. Do you use pesticides?
   Spots on your apples? That’s the very best kind! We all know that most grocery stores pride themselves on perfect, flawless produce, but that comes with a cost. So ask if the vendor/farm sprays or opts for no or low-spray. For more information on pesticides, please visit EWG’s list of  the dirty dozen.

We are knee deep in the climate roller coaster of Charlottesville, where it’s sunny, beautiful and 70 degrees one day and catch snowflakes the next. But anyone who has lived in Charlottesville for anytime at all knows that means that overnight, spring will be here in full flurry. If you are looking for a new spring project, consider transforming your backyard into an eco-friendly oasis! Below we have a number of fun, inexpensive backyard ideas that help lower your eco-footprint and create a new world just outside your back door.

Utilizing Native Plant Species
Your oasis will most likely need trees and plants to create that secluded and private atmosphere you desire. When selecting backyard plants, make sure to choose species native to your climate. Native plant species will naturally thrive, make your backyard space easier to maintain, and use less water during those warmer months. Native plants specific to your environment will also attract native pollinators, wildlife and birds for that full tropical getaway vibe. To find out which native plants are the best fit for your backyard, we suggest visiting Fifth Season Gardening, using this handy-dandy Native Species menu created by Albemarle County www.albemarle.org/nativeplants/, or attending a Native Plant Species workshop through the Virginia Native Plant Society at http://vnps.org. Before purchasing your plants and other vegetation, we encourage that you ask your nursery about no-spray, low-spray or what kinds of spray they have they’ve used. It is important to make sure the plants you buy haven’t been sprayed with harmful neonicotinoids or Neonic pesticides  and other pesticides that have been linked to colony collapse disorder.

Convert lawn into food.

One hot new trend on the horizon is trading those high-maintenance grass lawns for growing your own food. Transforming your backyard lawn space into a food producing garden is not only healthy for the environment, it is healthy for you! And it’s much easier than you think to start and to maintain, not to mention the benefits from the fruits of your labor. There are some great websites out there to help get you started, Try Backyard Farming and MotherEarthLiving are just a couple to help get you started!

Create Beautiful and Functioning Compost Units.

When planning your backyard redesign, make sure you provide space for a composting unit. Composting is easy and rewarding! You simply recycle your food and yard waste that breaks down and decomposes, then it will soon be ready to return to the soil to help feed your new garden. To learn more about composting, visit the City of Charlottesville Composting web page or download this handy Composting at Home Guide. There are a number of fun and creative ways to upcycle resources to build your backyard composting unit. Check out this list of 23 Ingenious DIY Compost Bin Ideas from Backyard Growers.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Spring can bring a number of rain storms that will keep your backyard oasis lush and alive, but once the heat of those summer months sets in, water resources can run scarce. One eco-friendly way to approach the summer dry months is to create a rainwater harvesting system. A rainwater harvesting system simply redirects rain from your home’s runoff spots to an above ground rain barrel. The rain barrel catches and stores that water to be used at a later date to nourish your plants and garden. There are also new landscape elements like Bioswales and Rain Gardens that are designed to filter pollution and debris from stormwater as well as divert the run-off to where you need it the most. For more information on utilizing Bioswales and Rain Gardens, visit www.soils.org.

If you decide to purchase a rain barrel to create your rainwater harvesting system, make sure you check out the local rebate offers available in the City of Charlottesville and in Albemarle County.

Decorating and Creating Your Outdoor Living Space

To top off your new backyard getaway, have fun with decorating and converting your outside living space with creative new ways to upcycle items that would usually find their way to the landfill. We love using old pallets to create outdoor items from decks to porch swings to planter boxes. Visit www.doityourself.com that gives a 10 Ways to Use Pallets in Your Backyard!

This Spring, take a few minutes to look at your backyard in a new light and make a plan to convert that space into a fully functioning, food producing, native wildlife attracting, environmentally-friendly backyard getaway! We would love to see what creative and sustainable ideas our Bettys come up with, so please share your photos with us on Facebook!