How To Be A Sustainable Gardener

We all know the importance of living a greener, more sustainable life, and the garden is a great place to start making a positive impact on the environment. As we look ahead to new gardening trends and tips for the year, it’s clear that becoming a more sustainable gardener is a priority. Gardening experts Gareth Richards and Holly Farrell, authors of Do Bees Need Weeds? published in association with the RHS, emphasize the need for us to do more for the environment through our gardening practices.

Here are some practical tips to help you become a more sustainable gardener this year.

Recycle Cardboard

A simple but effective way to protect your garden soil is by recycling cardboard. Spread cardboard packaging over bare soil to shield it from the harsh winter rains and help suppress weeds. However, make sure the cardboard hasn’t been treated with shiny plastic laminate, as this can be harder to break down and compost. Also, remember to remove any packaging tape before using the cardboard in your garden. This small step can make a big difference in your journey to becoming a sustainable gardener.

Get Composting

Even with mindful grocery shopping, food waste is inevitable. Instead of throwing it away, consider turning it into rich, organic compost. There are various ways to compost, from traditional garden heaps to bokashi bins, which use friendly bacteria to break down all kinds of food waste, including meat and dairy. Composting not only reduces waste but also enriches your garden soil, helping you become a more sustainable gardener.

Make a New Pond

If you have the space, adding a pond to your garden can significantly boost local wildlife, providing a habitat for amphibians, insects, and birds. A pond also adds aesthetic appeal and offers the opportunity to grow different types of plants. To make your pond safe for all creatures, ensure there is a ramp inside so that amphibians and other animals can easily exit. Incorporating a pond into your garden is a wonderful way to contribute to the environment as a sustainable gardener.

Re-use Plastic Pots

Many of us have a collection of black plastic plant pots sitting in the shed. Instead of discarding them, re-use these pots as much as possible. If you have broken pots that can no longer be used, many garden centers will take them back for recycling. By reusing and recycling plastic pots, you reduce waste and take another step toward being a sustainable gardener.

Use Water Sustainably

Water is a precious resource, and using it wisely is key to sustainable gardening. Rainwater is better for plants than tap water, so consider installing a water butt to collect rainwater. This not only helps your plants thrive but also reduces your water bills. Additionally, synthetic lawns can be a water-saving option, as they require no watering, mowing, or the use of weed killers and pesticides.

Grow Your Own

Adopting a plant-based diet is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, and growing your own vegetables ensures you have fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips. Even in the winter, you can grow microgreens on your windowsill for quick and nutritious salad leaves. Try growing radish, beetroot, or coriander. By growing your own food, you embrace the principles of a sustainable gardener.

Enlist Nature to Help with Pest Control

Using pesticides can harm the environment and beneficial insects like bees. Instead, encourage nature to handle pest control for you. Plant flowers that attract aphid-eating wildlife, such as hoverflies and ladybirds. Daisy-type flowers like marigolds, as well as flat-topped flowers like yarrow and fennel, are particularly attractive to these helpful insects. Additionally, birds like blue tits are natural predators of aphids. Providing bird feeders and planting seed plants will draw these birds to your garden, further enhancing your efforts as a sustainable gardener.

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By implementing these tips, you can make a real difference in your garden and contribute positively to the environment as a sustainable gardener.