It’s well known that gardening and sustainability are the best of friends. But, do you know how sustainable your own garden actually is? Although the very act of gardening is on some level good for the environment, there are many methods and tools used in the gardening process that can do more harm than good.
Sustainable gardening is a method that removes all the yuck, and helps you get down to earth in your vegie patch, flower beds and landscaped spaces.
What is sustainable gardening?
Sustainable gardening uses practices that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants. Gardening using sustainable practices emphasises environmental conservation, and preserving and protecting the eco-systems around you. There are several different sustainable methods that can be used in gardening, including:
Using natural products and reducing fossil fuels
Using expensive chemical pesticides, fungicides or herbicides is discouraged. Instead, put in plants that naturally suit your garden’s climate, soil and aspect, so won’t need artificial help to thrive. This also lends its hand to organic gardening as well!
Reducing fossil fuels has a direct impact on protecting the natural environment we live in. As a bonus, it also makes an impact on our costs! Use a rake instead of a leaf blower, or swap your petrol-powered mower or trimmer for a quieter electric model.
Companion planting
Put in plants that repel pests from other crops in your garden bed. For example, marigold’s strong scent repels whitefly that can attack tomato leaves. Marigold’s scent also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Aphids love nasturtiums, so plant them as a lure to protect more valuable plants. As the aphid population grows, it attracts aphid-eating ladybirds, so the problem is resolved naturally.
Conserving water
Conserving water means less time, energy and water (of course!) wasted. Our best advice is to only water plants when they need it – and do it in the cool of the morning to prevent evaporation. Avoid watering hard surfaces as water is lost down the drains.
Composting
Allowing organic material to break down in your garden gives you somewhere to put your waste where it can do good. Returning your rubbish to the soil releases vital nutrients that keep plants healthy. Our composting guide has a list of all the dos and don’ts.
Mulching
Mulch acts as a protective barrier against weather, pests and other outdoor problems. The best way to mulch is to chop up anything organic that doesn’t contain weed seeds and use as mulch. This will help the soil retain moisture and insulates it against extreme heat and cold. You can even use grass clippings and pruning leftovers!
Recycling
We don’t have to say why recycling is a sustainable gardening method. Instead, we’ve got two great recycling gardening hacks:
- Cut clear plastic bottles in half and use as cloches to protect seedlings.
- Upcycle other containers into plant pots by drilling drainage holes.
Animal protection
Protecting your local animals promotes biodiversity in your garden, and will mean you’ve got a happy little ecosystem. The best thing to do is put in features that offer protection and habitat for animals. A prickly bush can help protect birds from cats, for example, and a bundle of sticks gives skinks a hiding place. Our favourite animal protector is a possum box– they get your furry friends out of your roof and into a safe place to hang out.
Common features of a sustainable garden
01
Raised garden beds
With raised garden beds you can choose where your garden goes – close to a watering system and exposed to sunlight. The soil in these beds is also warmer than garden soil, meaning you can sow seeds or plant seedlings earlier in the season.
02
Water tanks and vessels
Water is precious but rainfall is not always reliable. Harvest whatever cloud juice comes your way in tanks, rather than letting it drain away. If a rainwater tank is just out of the budget, or won’t fit in your space, setting out buckets and other containers to catch rainfall in a bad weather event works wonders as well. If you’re all about conserving when watering plants, a drip irrigation system is a great way to ensure happy plants, and a happy ecosystem!
03
Edible plants and herbs
Using edibles as ornamentals means you’ve got function and aesthetic down pat! Rows of strawberry plants offer colour in winter as some leaves turn a burnt orange. In summer, you get the plump red baubles of fruit, and the perfect afternoon snack.
04
Climate-relevant plants
Choose plants for your garden that thrive naturally in the local environment. This means that there will be less upkeep and maintenance. It also means that your supporting your surrounding ecosystem. If you’ve got native plants, you’ll be promoting biodiversity, and bringing all the right animals and insects to your garden.
