Meaning: 'Organic amendments' refer to natural materials added to soil to improve its fertility and structure, enhancing plant growth without the use of synthetic chemicals.

Wrong options:

• synthetic inputs: 'Synthetic inputs' refers to artificial substances used in gardening, which contradicts the idea of avoiding harmful chemicals.
• plastic mulches: 'Plastic mulches' are materials used to cover soil but do not contribute to soil health in the same way organic amendments do, making them irrelevant in this context.
• artificial lights: 'Artificial lights' are used for plant growth but do not relate to soil amendments or the avoidance of chemicals, thus not fitting the context.

Correct answer: conserving

Explanation: The word 'conserving' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it describes the action of managing water usage. Contextually, it aligns with sustainable gardening practices aimed at reducing waste and promoting efficient water use.

Meaning: 'Conserving' means to protect from loss or waste, particularly in the context of using water efficiently in gardening.

Wrong options:

• increasing: 'Increasing' suggests a rise in water usage, which contradicts the goal of sustainable gardening to reduce waste.
• polluting: 'Polluting' implies harming the environment, which is the opposite of the sustainable practices being discussed.
• ignoring: 'Ignoring' suggests neglecting water usage, which does not align with the proactive approach of sustainable gardening.

Correct answer: native

Explanation: The word 'native' fits grammatically as it describes the type of plants being discussed. Contextually, it is relevant because native plants are well-suited to the local environment and support local wildlife, aligning with sustainable gardening principles.

Meaning: 'Native' refers to plants that are indigenous to a specific area, meaning they naturally grow there and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

Wrong options:

• exotic: 'Exotic' refers to non-native plants that may not thrive in the local ecosystem, which contradicts the goal of supporting local wildlife.
• seasonal: 'Seasonal' describes plants that grow during specific times of the year but does not necessarily imply they are beneficial to the local ecosystem.
• indoor: 'Indoor' refers to plants that are grown inside, which does not relate to the context of enhancing outdoor gardens and ecosystems.

Correct answer: recycling

Explanation: The term 'recycling' fits grammatically as it serves as a gerund that describes the action of processing organic matter. Contextually, it aligns with sustainable gardening practices that emphasize minimizing waste and reusing materials.

Meaning: 'Recycling' means to process materials so they can be used again, which in gardening refers to reusing organic matter to enrich the soil.

Wrong options:

• importing: 'Importing' suggests bringing in materials from outside, which contradicts the idea of using local resources and minimizing waste.
• neglecting: 'Neglecting' implies ignoring the lifecycle of the garden, which is contrary to the proactive approach of sustainable gardening.
• destroying: 'Destroying' indicates a harmful action that goes against the principles of sustainability and caring for the environment.