Smarter shopper
Try these purse- and planet-friendly gardening tips that won’t cost the earth
We reveal ecofriendly and affordable gardening hacks
Gardening is a great way to get out in the sunshine and add colour to your outdoor area, and it needn’t be an expensive hobby – enjoy a flourishing garden on a budget with these easy ideas that’ll do good for the environment, too.
Repurpose boxes and containers. Rather than buying seed trays and pots, use recycled packaging instead. ‘Toilet roll tubes are biodegradable and can be used as a container for seedlings,’ says Gena Lorainne, Gardening Expert at Fantastic Services. ‘And cardboard can even be used instead of weed killer. Trim the grass to the ground level, lay down the cardboard and soak well with a hose. Cover with rocks and, after a few months, there will be no weeds in that area.’
Recycle your grass clippings. After mowing the lawn, don’t bin the clippings – instead, leave them on the lawn, use them for composting, or even add a layer to flowerpots to help keep roots cool and preserve moisture. ‘Grass clippings can hold up to 30 per cent of your lawn’s required nutrients. They’ll release water and nutrients back into the soil, provide shade, and slow the formation of thatch,’ says Scott Hawthorne, Managing Director at skipsandbins.com.
Water plants at the right time. If you’re on a water meter, the cost of watering your garden can add up, so getting the watering can or hose out at the right time of day can ensure you only use what you need. ‘Make watering the garden a morning or evening task when the temperatures are cooler, as peak sunshine causes the water to evaporate quickly, meaning more is needed to hydrate your garden,’ says Sarah Dixon, Marketing Manager at Hozelock.