Home LivingGarden8 eco-friendly gardening tips for a greener sustainable gardenTrying to be more sustainable in the garden? Try these expert-approved gardening tricksWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingGarden8 eco-friendly gardening tips for a greener sustainable gardenTrying to be more sustainable in the garden? Try these expert-approved gardening tricksWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Trying to be more sustainable in the garden? Try these expert-approved gardening tricks
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sandie Clarke / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Sandie Clarke / Unsplash)
It’s National Gardening Week (1st-7th May) and with the weather warming up, it’s time to get outside andget your garden spring ready. As more and more people are becoming climate conscious and focused on helping the environment, there’s been a significant rise in sustainable gardening. Sustainable or eco-friendly gardening consists of practices that enhance your garden andcause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants.
To find out more, Jackson gave us 8 eco-friendly gardening tips that are easy to implement and will leave your garden greener and more sustainable.
Before you get started, make sure you have the best equipment at your disposal, including thebest garden toolsto tackle all horticultural tasks, thebest cordless lawn mowerfor grass maintenance and thebest gardening glovesfor hand protection.
1. Create a compost system
First on the list is to create your own compost system. If you’re new to gardening, “composting is the natural process of recycling organic waste, such as kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, into nutrient-rich compost for your garden,” says Jackson. In the spirit of ‘waste not, want not’, composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while also providing plants with essential nutrients. It’s also incredibly easy to do, so “to create a compost system, designate a corner of your garden for a compost pile or use a compost bin to speed up the decomposition process.” Find our top picks for thebest compost binto get started.
2. Plant diverse crops & native species
To keep your garden healthy, eco-friendly and looking beautiful throughout the seasons, plant diverse crops and native species. According to Jackson, “planting a variety of crops creates a more visually appealing garden and helps maintain soil fertility and prevent pest problems.” Similarly, native plants that are well adapted to local conditions often require “less water, fertiliser and pesticides, meaning you can conserve water, minimise chemical use and create a habit that supports local wildlife and attracts beneficial pollinators.”
3. Consider crop rotation & companion planting
Rotating your crops each year and companion planting are two ways to help your garden thrive in an eco-friendly way. Crop rotation helps “prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases”, both factors that can lead to plants dying and soil losing its nutrients. Rotating your crops is a great way to avoid this and keep your plants and their insect friends happy.
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Another tip is to start companion planting where you plant different plants in proximity to one another. There are many benefits to companion planting, as it can “help improve nutrient uptake, deter pests and increase pollination”, while also reducing the use of unnatural pest control measures and maximising your garden space.
(Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels)
(Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels)
4. Try vertical planting
Another eco-friendly planting tip is to grow your plants vertically. Introducing wall planters, hanging baskets, trellises and living walls to your garden expands your outdoor space and allows you to grow more in different areas of your garden. In addition to making your garden look more green and attractive, vertical planting can also “help improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, leading to healthier plants.”
5. Get mulching
Once you’ve planted your seeds or pruned your existing plants, give them a generous mulching. Jackson recommends “applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around your plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.” Mulching also helps conserve water, adds nutrients to soil and reduces soil erosion.
6. Choose organic, chemical-free pest control solutions
7. Collect rainwater for irrigation
During spring and summer, your garden needs more water to deal with the hot temperatures. But the constant watering of your grass can be wasteful and rack up your water bills. Instead, “collect rainwater in barrels or other containers, as it’s a free, natural resource that can help you conserve water. Additionally, rainwater is free from chemicals found in tap water, making it healthier for your plants.” Alternatively, having thebest garden watering systemcan take care of watering your plants for you and you can set up schedules and timers so you’re not wasting water.
8. Use solar-powered garden lights
To light up your garden while reducing your electricity consumption, invest in solar-powered garden lights. “Solar lights charge during the day and automatically turn on at night, providing eco-friendly and cost-effective illumination,” says Jackson. See our guide to thebest outdoor solar lightsfor our top picks. Another way to save money and cut down your energy usage is to invest in smart outdoor lighting. Options like thebest Philips Hue outdoor lightscan be easily customised so they only run at a certain time and use the lowest levels of brightness.
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