Harnessing the Power of Nitrogen Fixers and Bio-Accumulators for a Thriving, Sustainable Garden
Neighborly Garden Services is passionate about creating eco-friendly and sustainable landscapes that are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the environment. One of the ways we achieve this is by incorporating nitrogen fixers and bio-accumulators into our garden plans. These plants help naturally enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth without the need for synthetic fertilizers.
What are Nitrogen Fixers?
White Clover (nitrogen fixer)
Nitrogen-fixing plants, such as clover, peas, and beans, don’t do the nitrogen conversion themselves. Instead, they host nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Rhizobia in their roots. These bacteria draw nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can absorb and use for growth. This symbiotic relationship enriches the soil with natural nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. One favorite cover crop that I have used are fava beans. Not only is it great for replenishing the nitrogen in your soil, it also produces delicious beans, flowers, and shoots. They also overwinter quite nicely, and in the spring you can simply just tip them over to become a mulch for new plantings. You can also till them in or cut them at the base and chop them up to add to your compost.
By incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants (and their bacterial partners) into your garden, we create a self-sustaining nutrient cycle, which helps your plants thrive naturally.
Examples of nitrogen-fixing plants:
Fava beans (Vicia faba)
Lupines (Lupinus spp.)
Alder Trees (Alnus spp.)
What are Bio-Accumulators?
Comfrey (bio-accumulator)
Bio-accumulators are plants that absorb essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and other trace elements from deep within the soil. They store these nutrients in their foliage, which can then be released back into the soil through composting or mulching, providing a natural way to improve soil health. I personally like to grow comfrey, because of how easily it grows back when cut down multiple times. Comfrey is great for just chopping and dropping in the garden, and makes a great addition to compost. It’s also a great attractor for pollinators such as bumble bees and hummingbirds.
Using bio-accumulators in your garden naturally fertilizes the soil, keeping it rich and productive over time.
Common bio-accumulators include:
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Plantain (Plantago major)
Why These Plants Matter in Sustainable Landscaping
Nitrogen fixers and bio-accumulators are essential tools in regenerative gardening. By integrating these plants into your landscape, we create a resilient and low-maintenance garden that enriches the soil naturally, reducing the need for synthetic inputs and supporting local wildlife.
Neighborly Garden Services is dedicated to designing and planning gardens that balance beauty and sustainability. Incorporating these plants into our eco-friendly landscaping practices ensures that your garden stays vibrant, healthy, and in harmony with nature for years to come.