7 minute read
Super Green Fingers
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
As 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 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
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 It’s more efficient to give plants a thorough slosh it on the plants – fun for the soaking every two kids and or three days rather than a little sprinkle the plants. It’s a good idea to every day keep an eye 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
ball that needs moisture, not the leaves. It’s more efficient to give plants a thorough soaking every two or three days rather than a little sprinkle every day. PLANTS The plants in your garden can make it a greener place to be, both in colour and in eco credentials as well. Choose drought resistant plants, such as grasses, lavender and palms to take into account our changing climate and need to reduce water use.
Keeping the lawn length slightly longer will help stop the grass from drying out in hot weather, and lessen water use. Try keeping an area of grass uncut too, to provide a vital habitat for wildlife, insects and bees.
Another sustainable option for your garden is companion planting, which is the practice of planting different crops together for mutual benefit. An example of this is planting basil alongside tomatoes, which helps to repel flies and mosquitoes, and also improves the flavour and vigour of the tomatoes. COMPOST & MULCH Two of the greatest things you can do for your garden is to use compost and mulch. And the best news is it’s easy to make both of these things yourself.
Putting a layer of mulch around your plants prevents moisture escaping from the soil, suppresses weeds and
WHO ARE WE?
We are a family business based in the heart of Sussex that helps both households and businesses across the South East of England. We provide a range of services; building new sewage systems, property surveys, servicing treatment systems and emptying tanks. We have years of experience and qualifications within the industry allowing you to know that you’re in safe hands. To find out more and how we can help, visit our website or give us a call
We build & install all types of sewage treatment systems
We service & repair all types of sewage treatment systems
Need a new system or want one checked before buying a home – we can help
Liquid waste removal service for both households & businesses
DON’T GET MAD, GET MOODY Call: 01825 890 294 Visit: www.moodysewage.com
provides nutrients for the soil as well. Mulch can be made of many different garden materials and can be a mix of many of them or just a single one. Branches, bark and pine needles whizzed through a wood-chipper make a good mulch, as does chopped up leaves (run a mower over
Branches, bark and pine needles whizzed through them a couple of times); a a wood-chipper layer of compost; dried grass make a good mulch clippings; newspapers or even straw. Compost can also be free, if you use a compost bin for kitchen scraps and small garden greens. Aim to alternate layers of scraps and greens to make the best compost. And when thinking about a compost bin, try to get a recycled one or even
Bolney Stoves Ltd. Your local stove shop for the last 33 years Get ready for summer
MORSO FORNO OUTDOOR OVEN
List Price £1,199 inc VAT Bolney Stoves price just £899
While stocks last
Chesneys Bio Ethanol now available at Bolney Stoves No flue... no problem!
• No chimney required • Fully remote controlled • Highly economical • Automatic ignition • 100% energy efficient • Odour-free when in use
10 The Farmers Stores, Gatehouse Lane, Goddards Green, Hassocks BN6 9LE 01444 871815 | sales@bolneystoves.co.uk | www.bolneystoves.co.uk Established in 1995, Frontline Automation specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of automated gates, barriers, & access control. Whether you require new gates, or have existing which need repairing/updating, we can help
01444 248292 www.frontline-auto.com FREE SITE SURVEYS AND QUOTATIONS
better, make your own out of recycled materials. Wooden pallets simply screwed together make a brilliant compost bin.
POLLUTANT FREE To help the environment, aim to keep your garden pollutant free. Keep weed killers and pesticides to a minimum or ban them altogether and keep cleaning products as natural and ecofriendly as possible.
Reduce plastic use in your garden; many things we buy for our gardens are traditionally plastic hungry. Instead, try to choose plant pots made of biodegradable or natural materials, but also think about garden tools, string, netting, packaging and plant supports. Some of these things you can make yourself, for example paper plant pots and plant supports made of branches you have pruned from trees.
GARDEN EXTRAS Being a green gardener doesn’t mean you have to miss out on those extras and finishing touches that make your garden unique and stylish. Simply opt for the eco options!
Give solar lighting a go instead of electric. There is a huge range to choose from nowadays, from fairy lights to add twinkle, ground lights to guide you down the garden path or solar up and down wall lights to add elegance and a contemporary style to patios or dining areas.
Opt for metal or other materials for garden furniture instead of plastic. Or why not build your own using reclaimed wood? Reclaimed wood is also great for transforming into building projects for the garden such as benches, bird boxes, raised planters and trellises.
Now get out into the garden and put your new super green fingers to good use! l
