Certified Earth-Friendly Gardens

Select Appropriate Plants

Plants that are acclimated to San Diego's unique environment predominate in your landscape. These plants require a minimal amount of water and little or no fertilizer or pesticide to thrive. (Exception – edibles.) [more...]
Environmental conditions such as climate, soil type, and sun exposure are considered when choosing plants.
Low maintenance plants predominate in the ornamental (non-edible) landscape to reduce water consumption, fertilizer use, pruning, green waste, and labor.
Edibles are included in your garden.
Invasive ornamental plants are not present in the landscape. Examples include pampas grass, highway ice plant, and giant reed (also known as arundo). [more...]
Locally or regionally grown plants are purchased. [more...]
If power lines are present, trees and plants under the power lines do not touch or grow close to the lines. [more...]
Overplanting is avoided by selecting plants and trees based on their size at maturity to reduce maintenance, green waste and improve plant health.
Plants and trees are chosen in accordance with fire-safety guidelines. [more...]
When mature, plants and trees will cover at least 50% of the garden area to help alleviate the heat island effect.

Questions? Email us at sustain@mastergardenerssandiego.org