With spring coming to a close and summer on the horizon, we at Climate Wise love to spend our time outdoors in the sunshine and gardening can be the perfect way to do just that. By dedicating a small amount of time to your garden, you can enhance your well-being, support the environment, and even save money.
While gardening is a great way to enjoy good weather and grow healthy food or elegant flowers, doing it sustainably is essential for minimising your environmental impact and preserving biodiversity. Sustainable gardening offers even more benefits than conventional methods — it can reduce your carbon footprint, lower water usage, save money, and provide vital habitats for local wildlife. Here are some tips to help you get started on your sustainable gardening journey:
Ditch the Chemicals
Herbicides and pesticides can harm insects and other wildlife in your garden. If you want to manage pests without causing damage to the wider ecosystem, consider these natural alternatives:
- Companion planting: Make your garden less attractive to pests by planting strong-smelling herbs such as basil and mint, or by choosing plants that complement one another and naturally deter unwanted insects.
- Homemade pest treatments: Vinegar, garlic spray, and coffee grounds are just a few examples of household items that can help naturally repel pests.
- Physical barriers: Netting, sticky traps, and even crushed eggshells around plants can serve as simple, eco-friendly defences against pests like slugs and snails.
Think Before You Plant
Choose plant species that are native to your area. Native plants are better suited to local conditions and require less maintenance and water. They also provide food and shelter for native wildlife, supporting a more resilient ecosystem.
Befriend the Bees
Encouraging pollinators such as bees to visit or live in your garden is a fantastic way to support biodiversity. Plant various flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a steady food source for bees and other pollinators throughout the seasons.
Compost!
This is an easy way to reduce garden and kitchen waste and enrich the soil in your garden! If you need help getting started, visit our blog on ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Composting at Home’ accessible here: https://climate-wise.com/a-beginners-guide-to-composting-at-home/