Now that it’s officially springtime, many Issaquah and Sammamish residents are preparing to spend quality time in their gardens.

This year more Americans are planning vegetable gardens in an effort to offset high grocery bills.

Many new gardeners will quickly become captivated by getting their hands dirty in the garden.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of harvesting your garden’s first ripe strawberry or tomato.

Harvesting produce from your own backyard is also an opportunity to reduce your family’s environmental impact.

Eating local and homegrown foods reduces air emissions that result from transporting supermarket produce.

There are other ways to keep gardens truly green.

• Reduce water use.

Luckily, the Pacific Northwest receives plenty of spring showers to keep gardens well watered this time of year.

Adding compost and mulch now will not only improve the quality of your soil but also help your garden retain water and reduce evaporation when rains lessen.

Consider purchasing a rain barrel to capture rain water for your garden and household chores such as washing outdoor furniture.

• Be cautious with fertilizers.

When using a fertilizer, make sure to read the package instructions and ingredients carefully.

Gardening stores offer many natural, organic and slow release fertilizers that reduce nutrient run off.

• Compost yard trimmings and food scraps.

Remember all yard trimmings and food scraps, even meat and dairy leftovers, can be placed into your Waste Management yard and food waste cart.

These resources will then be made into compost that is used by gardeners throughout the Puget Sound.

For a full list of all items that can be placed in your yard and food waste cart, please visit www.wmnorthwest.com

• Take a class.

If you would like to make your own compost with food scraps or learn more about how to enhance soil and increase your garden’s yield, take in a gardening class the King County Extension Service or local Master Gardeners clinics.

• Finally, if you don’t cultivate it in your backyard, chances are you can buy it from another local grower.

Visit your local farmers market to support community farms and get some ideas for your own garden.