6 easy ways to make your garden habits more environmentally friendly
Whether you’re an aspiring Monty Don or still getting to grips with the difference between annuals and perennials, here are some easy ways to make your gardening habits more climate-friendly, while saving time and money too.
1. Choose plants fit for your climate
Every spring, Britons flock to garden centres and local plant-nurseries to pick new plants for our gardens. We take great pride in our gardens, yet, our choice of plants isn’t always reflective of the climate that we live in.
Whether you’re the kind of person who plans a year in advance, or someone who believes in love at first sight – do some research and ask at your local garden centre before bringing your new plant pals home.
2. Make the most of the water
So, you’ve got your new plants, now the challenge is keeping them alive. Besides the occasional rain-dance and picking less thirsty plants, there’s lots we can do around the garden to make water go further. Check out these tips for saving water in the garden which will ensure your garden stays healthy and suitably hydrated year-round, while spending less time watering and more time enjoying your garden.
3. Grow your own easy edible plants
Growing your own herbs, salads, fruits or vegetables can be incredibly satisfying, reduces food waste, food miles, saves you money and reduces unnecessary plastic packaging. It can also be a great activity for children and adults alike to see how some of our produce is grown before they reach our shelves. You may not produce enough to be completely self-sufficient (at first) but the reward of home-grown greens you’ve nurtured from seed can uplift the taste of any meal. Find out how you can get growing at home in our blog - here.
4. Give wildlife a helping hand
One of the easiest, and most rewarding things you can do in your garden is encouraging local wildlife to visit. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are a great sign that your garden is producing lots of nectar and pollen (food that pollinators depend on to continue to help plants reproduce).
Want your garden to be the bees-knees? Plant plants rich in nectar and pollen - check out Green Fingered George’s tips on Instagram to help you create a garden that’s a haven for wildlife.
Want to go further? Build a bug hotel for solitary insects in need of a temporary home.
5. Get started with compost
Compost heaps are a great way to make use of any leftover vegetables and garden waste as well as saving you money in the long run. If you follow some simple rules, you shouldn’t have to worry about any bad smells or unwanted pests. Thinking about getting started? Check out this blog to find out how.
Not ready to start a compost pile yet? Make sure the compost you buy is labelled as “peat-free”. Not sure who or what peat is? Most store-bought composts contain between 60-90% peat, a product sourced from living peat bogs which have formed over thousands of years. A peat bog grows 1mm on average each year meaning 1 metre has taken over 1,000 years to form. Peat bogs are important wildlife habitats and carbon sinks, so make sure the compost you take home is labelled peat-free.
6. Reduce, reuse and upcycle
Plant pots, garden decorations and planters can be expensive and are often made from plastic. Make your garden unique by making your own! You’ll save money and reduce waste at the same time. Check out Hubbub’s top tips on how to make use of old pallets and inspiration for different items you can turn into plant-pots.
