North Bristol Direct Local Magazine April 2021

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5 positive changes you can make to your garden in 2021 What positive changes can you make for your garden in 2021? January often brings the desire for major lifestyle changes and self-improvements, and there's no reason why that shouldn't extend to the home and garden too. If you want to channel some positive energy into your gardening in 2021, the experts at The Greenhouse People have shared some key resolutions that will transform the way you garden… 1. Try your hand at upcycling Extend upcycling in the home to your garden. Upcycling, where being eco-conscious and creative go hand in hand, is ideal for reducing waste in your garden and reusing items that would originally head for landfill. Think about how you can use old pieces of furniture in the garden. ‘Bathroom and kitchen renovations mean old tubs and sinks are regularly get sent for scrap, but these large items can make striking statement pieces when filled with flowers and foliage,’ suggest The Greenhouse People. Disused wooden crates and pallets are ideal for plants. Try hanging them vertically, creating an eye-catching tiered structure for small plants. You could also place them horizontally on the floor and fill with soil to create a miniature vegetable patch. Additionally, old plastic sacks can be given a new purpose by lining hanging baskets of flowers.

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2. Embrace vegan gardening Whether you're trying to eat less meat or moving to a plant-based diet, vegan principles can extend to gardening. Growing your own vegetables is a good start and it can save you money and cut your carbon footprint too. The good news: you don't need acres of land to grow your own. Portable containers, crates or pots are a great way to grow on any hard surface. Of course, if you have the space, a greenhouse can increase your yield of fresh fruit and veg all year round with zero air miles. But if you have a small garden, legumes (runner beans, broad beans, French beans and peas), squashes and pumpkins are a great option as they make use of vertical space. Meanwhile, salad leaves, herbs and tomatoes grow well in boxes on balconies and patios. A lean-to greenhouse is also a great space-saving option if you lack square metres. 3. Make your own compost Making your own compost is super easy and incredibly eco-friendly, and you’ll be left with a nutrient-rich compost that you can feed your garden with all year. Start building a heap from kitchen and green waste in a corner of your garden, and use a larger container with drainage if possible.


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