Nowadays everyone wants to try their hand at sustainable living. Not only is it beneficial to the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.
There are many steps you can take in order to achieve a sustainable garden. Here’s a look at just a few ways you can create a sustainable garden gradually over time:
Start Composting
Compositing is a simple yet effective way of beginning a journey to sustainability. Making your own compost requires minimal effort for such a high return.
All you need to do is collect household waste products and add them to a compost heap. Waste such as: grass cuttings, vegetable ends and plant trimming can all contribute to some healthy compost for your flowers. It’s also a great way to use up waste that would have otherwise have been thrown away.
Plant Trees
Planting a tree is not just an aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden. Trees help to store carbon from the atmosphere in the soil, improving the quality of your garden. If you plant trees that produce fruit such as an apple or orange tree; then you’re also able to enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Grow Organic Produce
From your nutrient filled compost you can now grow your own fruit and vegetables with your very own designated vegetable patch.
You’ll be benefitting from fresh produce that will encourage you to eat healthier, and well as saving lots of money over the year. Once you make the switch from supermarket tomatoes to home grown, you’ll never go back.
Use Renewable Resources
You may not realise it but paying closer attention to where your resources are coming from can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. We can all be a little more responsible when it comes to where we buy products from. Have you considered how many air miles a product may have traveled just to reach you? In many cases, materials can be acquired in your home country – you might need to shop around, but they’re there.
All-Weather Furniture
Your garden in the summer can be a central hub for friends and family to gather and enjoy the glorious weather. When it comes to outdoor furniture, it can often be something you repeatedly buy year and year as it’s often ruined by the weather in the winter months. However, all-weather pieces such as cane furniture can last year-round outside, without the need to bring it indoors. This is a worthwhile investment if you struggle to find storage space for your furniture.
Save Seeds
Re-planting old seeds can be one of the most effective ways to maintain a sustainable garden. Your plant will produce seeds once it has matured, instead of throwing them away simply keep them to plant again next year. There’s no need to buy new plants every year when you can keep the cycle going.
Water Conservation
Many countries can experience water shortages over the summer months. Often, water bans can be implemented, limiting people’s use for their gardens. To stop yourself being caught out, try your hand at water conservation. Collecting rainwater is easy enough, and you don’t need any high-tech equipment to do it. Simply divert rainwater from your drainpipes into a large container. Then you’re free to water your plants whenever you need!
Recycle Materials
Get creative when it comes to your garden design and recycle materials you would otherwise dispose of. You can upcycle many household items to make something amazing for your garden. One way gardeners have recently been recycling old furniture is through vertical gardening. Vertical gardening revolves around making the most of a small garden. Chest of drawers, shelves and bookcases have all been repurposed as bases for vertical gardens.
Get Started
Creating a sustainable garden is an appealing prospect, but it requires commitment and upkeep. However, the results and level of satisfaction make it all worth it in the end. So, if you’re considering starting your journey to a sustainable garden, consider these top tips to get you started.