How To Give Your Garden A Sustainable Makeover
Most people want a beautiful garden that has lots of flowers and striking features. In 2023, however, the aim of many people’s outdoor space is to also promote sustainability and reduce waste, as more people have concerns about CO2 emissions and plastic pollution than ever before.
Is it possible to create a garden space without creating a tonne of waste? Yes, it is, and this article will showcase how to set up and maintain a garden with minimal impact on the planet.
Hire The Tools Rather Than Buying Them
When you need to start the makeover of your garden, it is tempting to go out and buy all the tools you need. However, if you have nowhere to store them where they will be kept dry (like a shed, for example), then this can cause waste of both the tools and your money. So, when making over your garden, aim to hire the tools instead; many websites offer plant hire and offer rates based on a daily fee rather than on an hourly basis.
Collect Rainwater
Most people who have a sustainable garden have an area that is set up to collect rainwater.
There are many ways you can do this: some people set up a water butt, others set up buckets. Whatever you have, try to use it, as it will save a fortune on watering your garden in the spring and the summer months, and it will help with saving water overall.
Choose Native Plants
A common feature of gardens all over the world is the sound of bees buzzing. Most people have concerns about bees, but they are harmless for the most part if you leave them alone, and they are essential to the ecosystem—much like butterflies.
So, when setting up a sustainable garden, make sure to plant native plants in your area, as this will encourage pollinators of all kinds to come to your garden. As they are native, you won’t have to spend money on feeding them with special fertilizers or water either, as they will be able to cope with the climate as it is.
Set Up A Compost Area
What is a compost area, and why do you need one? A compost area is where you can put organic household waste to break down into, well, compost! This can include food such as vegetables, fruit, tea bags, and non-edible items such as grass clippings.
Most people who have a compost heap opt to get a covered one, as this reduces the chance of attracting pests like mice and rats, so try to look for a compost bin with a lid.
Talk To Other Gardeners
How does talking to other gardeners help with sustainability? Well, for a start, they will likely have some bits and pieces that you can use, meaning you don’t have to spend money on them yourself, which is another way to reduce waste!
Furthermore, there are many online forums and websites that allow you to trade garden tips, ask questions, and even pick up second-hand bits for your outdoor space, such as pots, hoses, compost, and even flowers. Therefore, it is well worth investing in chatting online with other gardeners, as many of them are also looking to reduce waste wherever they can.