Most people think that having a conventionally neat looking garden goes together with saving our planet but sadly, this isn’t true and what may be normal to us, is damaging to the environment.
Watering your plants is a must this time of year but a lot more goes into watering than meets the eye. Only water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is because of the heat during the day which evaporates the water meaning less water is taken up by the plants. Water droplets can also magnify the sun causing the leaves to scorch and this invites disease.
Weeding is the most frequent job at this time of year. Yes, the job is painful. Yes, the weeds grow back every three days. But weedkillers are terrible for your soil health and should really be avoided at all costs. Over-weeding is also an issue as you are taking away habitats for insects, birds and small mammals (like hedgehogs.) When you are weeding with a trowel you expose the carbon locked in the soil. This oxidises turning the carbon into carbon dioxide thus harming the planet. To minimise this, use shallow set tools instead of digging deep; avoid turning over the soil, finally mulch to suppress weeds rather than digging them out.
Although they are welcome visitors to the garden, try to avoid feeding the birds in the summer. This is to prevent birds from being over reliant on the food we put out for them – encourage them to find their own food. Birdbaths are excellent and provide a great source of entertainment for the would-be twitcher, so you can still enjoy plenty of watch time. Make sure to change the water regularly as to minimise germs though. Due to avian flu, check with your local RSPB officer regarding the latest local protocols.
The quantity of plastic items in your shed will shock you. Almost everything that is used in gardening involves plastic. From the pots, the trays, through to compost bags the quantity used is alarming and a massive problem. Reusing pots, trays and bags is a habit we need to get into. Using natural products like coir are a step in the right direction towards saving our planet.
Burning garden waste may seem an obvious thing to avoid but not only does it ruin your neighbours washing on the line, it also releases harmful pollutants into the air. Fires are harmful to hedgehogs, particularly those that are in hibernation. In the summer, a fire is a significant hazard especially if the ground is dry. So always be extra careful.
Pets roaming free can affect the wildlife living in your garden too. Cats are natural hunters – birds, frogs and small animals are easy prey, while dogs trample plants and can disturb nesting animals and birds.
Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals – it does give you a great looking patio, but it can kill nearby plants and harm the health of your soil. Chemicals can wash into drains which can then pollute nearby water systems. Eco-friendly methods like boiling water or vinegar are far better for your garden’s health.
There is a trend for people ripping up lawns and replacing them with artificial grass. This type of surface prevents water absorption into the ground leading to increases of flooding. Artificial surfaces are sterile zones – removing habitats for a variety of wildlife. As artificial grass is made from plastic, it can break down over time, allowing microplastics to leech into the environment.
These tips will soon have you on the right path to building a garden that is sustainable, eco-friendly and a haven to plants and wildlife. All it takes is a little thought, a dab of creativity and the desire to create something beautifully sustainable.
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