HOMES EXTRA
Turning your garden into a super green and eco place to be isn’t as hard as you think. In fact, you are probably already doing some of it! For some more tips on how to go green, read on, says Sara Whatley
SUPER GREEN A
FINGERS
s your garden enters its lush and verdant phase of the year, everything is looking green and vibrant. Now, it’s time to ask yourself, could you make your garden even greener? Eco gardening has been growing in popularity over the past few years and is set to become the ‘norm’, rather than the current trendy way to garden. After all, who wouldn’t want a more sustainable garden that not only costs you less but also looks after the environment, and is self-sustaining too? It’s a win-win situation! To help you on your way to becoming super green-fingered, we have put together some tips and ideas for simple eco gardening at home. WATER Looking at how much water you use in the garden is a good place to start. Try to reduce your reliance on the hosepipe by investing in a
water butt (try to get recycled or non-plastic if you can). Rainwater is not only free but is also better for plants too – it’s earth’s natural drink. Using a watering can instead of hose or sprinkler can also be a good way to cut down on water use in
playing in the paddling pool. When the water becomes too grassy and muddy for them to play any more, it becomes a perfect drink for your plants. Bail it out (get the kids to do it with their little buckets) and slosh it on It’s more efficient to the plants – give plants a thorough fun for the kids and soaking every two the plants. or three days rather It’s a than a little sprinkle good idea to keep an eye every day on any leaks and get them fixed as soon as possible. A small leak can lose a surprising amount of water in a short space of time and will only get worse if left. And finally, water the garden in the early morning or cool of the evening if possible. This avoids evaporation during the heat of the day. Concentrate the water at the base of the plant, as it’s the root
the garden. Although it can sometimes be hard work, just think of it as a free gym pass! If you have kids, or grandchildren, you will know that come summer they love nothing more than
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