Making our gardens more eco-friendly to protect environment
Q: How do I make my garden more ecofriendly? A: A timely question. It’s the Royal Horticultural Society’s National Gardening Week from the May 2 to 8, so now’s the time to get out your trowel. Here are my tips for greening your green space:
Ditch plastic grass
I’m afraid fake grass is a nono.
It depletes soil health and deprives vital pollinators, earth worms and insects of a home.
Its carbon footprint is also sky high, as plastic is made from fossil fuels.
Moreover, a fake lawn doesn’t capture and store carbon emissions like grass lawns or real plants in real soil do.
Also try to avoid paving over your garden.
Green gardens reduce flooding, store carbon, provide homes for bees and other essential creatures, keep cities cool in the summer and help us all feel happier.
Say no to the mow
Put your feet up and let nature take over.
Leave a section of your lawn to grow wild.
The RSPB has an online guide, as birds are dependent on insects for food – and bugs are in short supply in short lawns.
The Eden Project’s website has a section on how to plant a wild meadow at home.
You can buy wildflower ‘plug plants’ online, but make sure they’re from the UK – to ensure they’re right for our climate and free from unexpected pests.
Chemical-free
Try to avoid artificial fertilisers and pesticides.
Natural ecosystems are all about balance.
Introducing toxins harms much more than the weeds or pests you’re targeting.
For fertilisers, you can make your own compost. The charity
Garden Organic has an online guide.
Alternatively, buy organic fertilisers. When it comes to naturally removing pests and controlling plant diseases, the Royal Horticultural Society offers advice on its website.
Veg patch
You can save yourself cash if you grow some vegetables.
It’s a great project to do with kids. Start with a single container.
Seeds that can be sown in May include courgettes, carrots and sprouting broccoli.
Wildlife
Insects are vital to the health of your garden. Bees especially need our help. Create homes for them with bug and bee hotels. The Natural History Museum offers online guides. You can also make a wormery, as more worms mean better soil. Find out how on The Wildlife Trust’s website.
Lighting
Try and use solar-powered lights. It’s a good idea to put them on a timer to switch off at night, to avoid negatively impacting nocturnal animals and migratory birds.
Water
Put out some water for birds and insects to drink, especially in the summer.
Green campaigner and consumer expert Angela Terry separates climate change facts from fiction and explains how you can take simple, practical steps to help savethe planet. Follow @ouronehome & visit onehome.org.uk for more advice