Discussion Forum on Systems Thinking

Systems Thinker & sustainable gardening

Systems Thinker & sustainable gardening

by Caroline Greenfield -
Number of replies: 1

I have been growing dahlias in my gardens for about 5 years now. Each year I learn more & more about improving my soil to promote healthier plants to naturally keep them disease resistant. Being a systems thinker has helped me to realize that some of my earlier gardening practices were not promoting sustainable gardening. One example was when I learned that using peat moss in my soil was not recommended. I had no idea that it takes 1000's of years to develop peat bogs and that I was actually adding to the depletion of a naturally occurring resource that takes more than my lifetime to create.

Meanwhile, I have been making my own compost and using coconut coir, although coconut coir is imported and that uses valuable resources in order to transport it. As you can see, I'm still  working on being a better systems thinker!

Carrie Greenfield

In reply to Caroline Greenfield

Re: Systems Thinker & sustainable gardening

by Kathleen Burns -
I appreciate you sharing this. That’s a great example of how our understanding evolves over time. Many of us used peat moss for years without thinking twice about it — and then we learn more and adjust. That’s growth.

I also like that you’re recognizing there isn’t always a perfect solution. Composting, reducing inputs, thinking about sourcing — it’s all part of weighing trade-offs. Gardening is rarely all-or-nothing. It’s usually about making better decisions as we learn more.

This kind of reflection is helpful when we’re working with the public, too. Homeowners don’t need perfection — they need practical steps they can take. When we can share our own learning process, it makes the conversation more relatable and less intimidating.

Keep observing, adjusting, and thinking it through. That’s exactly what good gardeners — and good volunteers — do. - Kathy