PhotoDo you feel as though your garden isn’t as sustainable as it could be? Maybe you feel as though you need to make a positive change but just have no idea where to start. Either way, this is the guide for you.
Mow your Lawn Less
If there was ever an excuse for you to be a bit more relaxed with mowing your lawn, it’s now. Although a nicely mown lawn can look good, you have to remember that it’s a wasteland when it comes to biodiversity. Mowing your lawn less between March and September can give wildflowers the chance to grow. It also helps the pollinators that depend on them, which is great, to say the least. May is a huge month for flowering plants as they need to get a firm foothold. You need to try and take a layered approach to mowing your lawn, and you need to make sure that areas of short grass are always complemented by areas of longer grass. If you can take a two-tone approach then this will help you to ensure both pollen and nectar production throughout the year.
Reuse Pots
When you have planted out bedding plants, what are you going to do with all of your leftover pots? If you want to help yourself here then one thing you can do is give them a second life. Re-use them where you can help with seeding and sowing, rather than buying new pots all over again. Just rinse them out with some warm water and be sure to spray them with a bit of detergent as well. This is great as it helps to kill off any disease. If you don’t intend on using them then this is fine, you can donate them to a school or someone with an allotment.
Avoid Black Plastic Pots
If you really can’t find your plastic pots another home then you should be trying to add some terracotta-coloured plant pots instead. The main reason for this is because black plant pots often contain a pigment which means they cannot be recycled. The pigment in them cannot be detected by recycling centers either, but things are changing. A lot of organizations are working with retailers to develop and roll out new taupe-coloured pots so that they can be detected by waste-sorting machinery. When buying new pots, try and make sure that you focus on this if you can, so you can do your bit for the environment. At the end of the day, if you do have black pots lying around then one thing you can do is try and use them to house wildlife. Cover them with sticks, stones and logs, so you can create little hideaways for creatures. This is a far better solution than sending more waste to the landfill and the fact that the pots are black, means they are much more camouflaged at night. This makes them suited to nocturnal critters.
Choose Peat-Free Compost
Another thing you need to do is opt for peat-free compost. If you leave it intact, then the peatland that is dug up to source the peat will absorb carbon. This plays a major role when it comes to tackling climate change. This is a very small change but it is well worth making. In the meantime, it’s a good idea for you to check the composition of the compost that you are using at home. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you want out of your garden.
Alternatives to Plastic
Many garden suppliers tend to stock biodegradable bamboo, grass and pulp pots. These are a great alternative to plastic pots if you intend to grow things from seed. Try and make your seedling pots by using old newspapers as this is a great way for you to encourage things to break down. When you are planting or sowing seeds, or even planting out seedlings, you need to opt for plant labels that are made out of natural material too. Buying bare-root plants can be an economical way for you to do away with plastic, so try and source plants like this if you can.
Use Less Water
Everyone wants their garden to look great during summer. The issue with this though is that it often requires a lot of excess water. If you want to reduce your garden’s drain then one thing you can do is install a water butt. Mulching flower beds are also great, and so is using a ground cover to stop the water from evaporating as much. This cools the soil down too, which can benefit your plants in more ways than one. If you want to take things to the next level then one thing you can do is explore Aquaponics: a sustainable solution to gardening that saves water and yields fresh, organic produce.
Recycle your Compost Bags
Some garden centers will accept empty compost bags at various collection points. If you know that your local garden center does, then save up any packaging you do have and take it to the recycling center the next time you’re there. You can then drop off your packaging while you pick up any new gardening essentials you may need.
Plant Wildlife-Friendly Plants
You can lay down the groundwork for your garden in late spring and early summer. Choose plants that have seed heads, as these are ideal for giving wildlife a source of food when the leaner weather hits. They look great in winter too, which is ideal. If you have the space then one thing you can do is think about any new trees or shrubs you’d like to plant. October to April is the best time for you to plant for December and it ensures that wildlife has a lot of shelter. If you have space then choose pollinator-friendly plants that have a very simple flower structure. The main reason for this is because they are easier for insects to get food from. Primroses, heather and even honeysuckle are all ideal options here. If possible, you need to provide food for pollinators throughout the year, as this is the best way for you to make sure that your garden is fully sustainable.
Make your Own Compost
Even in a very small garden, with the right knowledge, you can get started with making your own compost. The great thing about doing this is that it helps to reduce food waste, which can save you a ton of money when it comes to bagged compost. If you have never given much thought to composting before then you will be glad to know you can find out a range of steps online and this will make it easier for you to get the result you’re looking for.
Cut Back Plants Less
The winter months can be tough for wildlife. There’s still a lot you can do though. Keep parts of your garden a little bit messy and wait until the end of winter to cut back on flower stems, hedges and ivy. It may be providing vital shelter to wildlife, which is great, to say the least. If you want to do your bit then bundle some sticks together and make sure that you stack them so there’s room for wildlife to enter. You can also make nature-friendly mulch if you want, along with using the fallen leaves on your flower bed to cover areas a little more.
