If you have a garden, you have an opportunity to create a sustainable space. No matter how big or small your garden space is, there’s something you can do to positively contribute to the environment.
If you have a garden, you have an opportunity to create a sustainable space. The more you can do for the environment outdoors, the better your environment will be indoors. No matter how big or small your garden space is, there’s something you can do to positively contribute to the environment.
You’ll be happy to know that being more sustainable won’t take up too much of your time either. Take a look at these simple tips for sustainability in your garden.
Plant a Tree
If you have a space where you can plant a tree, you could make a significant impact in your community. The more trees planted, the cleaner the air becomes. It’s important to remember that trees can come in all shapes and sizes.
Many people avoid planting trees in their garden because they’re worried about the height and width a tree can grow to. Medium-sized trees are ideal for small gardens and are easy to maintain.
Collect Rainwater
If you’re using your hose pipe to water your garden, you may want to think about collecting rainwater. It’s easy to use a water butt to collect any water that falls from your roof. When your plants are dry, this is the best water you can offer them.
During dry seasons when rain is less frequent, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe. This way, you can limit the amount of water you use.
Roofing Materials
The materials you choose for the exterior of your property could make all the difference when it comes to sustainability. Your roof needs to weather the storm by being durable in all types of weather. However, many people don’t think about the damage the sun can do to roofing.
Polycarbonate roofing sheets are ideal for extensions or outdoor spaces. They offer a layer of UV protection which allows them to have a long lifespan. You can shop here for these types of sheets.
Avoid Peats
Peatlands are one of the greatest sources of carbon. They are invaluable to our climate but they can be easily ruined. Peats are often taken from peatlands and transferred to common gardens.
If you want to make a difference with what you do in your garden, don’t purchase peats. The fewer peats in gardens, the more are left in peatlands to contribute to our environment- even more so than all the forests in the world.
Compost Making
Compost-making has become more popular than ever before. It may take some time to get the hang of it and get into a routine so you have plenty of compost to use but it’s certainly worth it. Experts say that plants and flowers tend to thrive in homemade compost.
If every gardener used their own compost for planting, the effect it would have on the environment would be huge. It doesn’t take much to start creating your own compost but you’ll need to be patient to get the most from it.
Dig Up Paving
The more soil in the open air, the better. If your garden is covered in paving, it can help to take a few slabs up and start planting instead. Planting a perennial in your garden that develops to maturity could benefit your community immensely.
The more perennial plants in gardens, the more carbon can be stored. The more carbon stored, the more homes can be heated. In addition, a plant or shrub can make a great centrepiece in the middle of a paved area.
Save Pollinators
Our pollinators are diminishing in number. What they do is highly valuable for our environment. Bees, butterflies, moths, and more need gardens that are conducive for them.
There are many plants and flowers you can plant in your garden to invite pollinators in. It’s not just a great way to keep pollinators thriving and healthy but also the best way to share seeds in other areas.
Research Your Flowers
Not all flowers will grow well in your garden. When you want to grow climate-specific breeds and reduce your carbon footprint, experts suggest that you grow flowers from your own country. Importing flowers will not only make it more difficult for them to grow well but it will also increase your carbon footprint.
Research the type of native flowers that are best suited to your soil and can be found nearby. This is the best way to give your garden a chance to flourish.
You can also leave a wild patch to develop on its own and see what type of wildflowers self-seed. This will also benefit the pollinators in your garden.
Electric Tools
Over 20% of gardeners use petrol powered gardening tools, like lawnmowers. In addition to emitting carbon, these tools also release harmful particulates and noise pollution into the atmosphere. Switching these petrol tools to green electric tools could make a world of difference.
Saving carbon should be the aim for all gardeners who want to live more sustainably. There are many different options when it comes to electric power tools at affordable prices. Think of it as an investment in your future, rather than a purchase.
Grow Your Own Fruit And Veg
It can take practice to grow your own fruit and vegetables in your garden. You may find that it’s trial and error when it comes to success. However, there are many benefits to growing your own food including making delicious vegan recipes, like courgette soup or roasted tomato soup.
Firstly, it saves significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, you know exactly how your food has been grown. You can be sure it won’t be grown with any pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Forget Your Lawn
A lawn looks attractive in any garden but it can take up valuable time and resources. You’ll probably find yourself watering your lawn more than any plant in your garden, You’ll also need to spend time mowing the lawn to keep it at an even and presentable level.
If you lose your lawn or at least make it smaller, you won’t have to use so many precious resources to keep it fresh and healthy. Consider planting shrubs instead so your garden is constantly giving back what it takes.
Save Your Seeds
Seeds are imperative for growing a healthy and attractive garden. At the end of each summer season, collect all of the dry seeds and keep them safe throughout the winter. The best place to keep them is in a dry container with a small amount of soil.
When the next spring arrives, you’ll have all the seeds you need to replant your garden. This will save money on buying new seeds and you’ll already know which plants work well in specific areas of your garden.
Shade and Cover
Plants, flowers, and trees are essential for a sustainable garden. However, there’s no denying that our climates are changing. The weather you used to rely on years ago isn’t as reliable right now.
It’s not easy to predict what will happen in your garden. You may have plants that like plenty of shade or hate getting too much rain. It can help to have retractable covers in your garden that can keep your garden shaded and protected when it needs to be.
Pest Control
Pests are always going to find ways of gaining access to your garden. From rodents to bugs, slugs, and everything in between, it’s important to be prepared. These pests can kill your plants and flowers if they aren’t dealt with quickly.
Using harsh chemicals to kill the pests is convenient but it isn’t great for your plants and soil. Look for natural ways to deter pests from your garden as a sustainable alternative.
If you’ve found this article on creating a sustainable garden helpful, there are plenty more to look at.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.
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