Eco-friendly gardening tips

Heather, one of the Kairos eco team and a keen gardener, shares some tips for environmentally friendly gardening:

Avoid ‘over-cultivating’:

Save yourself some time and effort AND be kind to the wildlife:

– mow less frequently

– embrace ‘weeds’ or maybe allow an area to grow wild

– leave fallen leaves, stems, seed heads and compost heaps in situ over winter

– allow some shrubs to become a little overgrown to provide shelter

– avoid using chemical pesticides/fungicides/fertilisers

   (a quick search on the internet will suggest many eco-friendly alternatives)

Encourage biodiversity by providing shelter, food and water:

You can make a variety of simple habitats for wildlife:

– build compost heaps, piles of dead wood or stacks of rock/stones

– create a pond – even a small, simple one can be really beneficial

– put up a box or two for birds and some for bats as well

Attract more birds (and other wildlife) by offering food such as:

– seed mixtures, peanuts, sunflower hearts, fat balls and salt-free kitchen scraps

And always make sure there’s a supply of clean water accessible

(If you own a cat, try putting several bells on your its collar to warn the birds)

Save energy:

It takes a lot of energy to provide the clean water that comes via our taps …

If you need to water your plants, use collected rainwater rather than a hose, if possible.

(The best time to water is early evening to reduce water evaporation from the soil.)

Light pollution has an adverse effect on nature, so turning off any unnecessary exterior lights will both save energy and benefit the ecosystem.

If you need to buy accessories for the garden, consider using recycled/repurposed or second-hand items, (eg using an old dustbin as a water butt), or sharing tools with a friend.

If you’re buying plants, try to choose those that are native and locally grown – they require less care as they’re adapted for this environment, they’re beneficial to our insects, and less energy is required to transport them.