Sustainable gardening is adopting practices that prevent harm to the environment and the depletion of natural resources. Besides the environmental benefits, it can also save you money because some methods help reduce energy and water bills. Find out how to do this with the tips below.
Use native and other drought-tolerant plants
Native plants are adapted to the local weather, so they do not require much water to live. The same goes for other drought-tolerant plants. Moreover, locally sourced plants do not require long-distance transport, reducing carbon footprints. They are also cheaper, thus saving you some cash.
Start composting
Artificial fertilisers use chemicals that can negatively impact the environment. So instead, use natural fertiliser to provide nutrients to the plants without the harm of the former. Composting is the answer to this. Get a compost bin where you can put items like food scraps, leaves, fruits, coffee grounds, eggshells, and many more.
Use permeable materials
Permeable materials are porous materials that allow water to seep into the ground. They prevent flooding, thus keeping your garden in good shape. Instead of using concrete pathways, switch to permeable hardscape materials, such as gravel and interlocking concrete pavers. If you live around the Cheshire area, a landscape gardeners Cheshire company can help design your garden pathway using porous materials so it’s attractive and helps absorb water.
Create a rain garden
Like permeable materials, a rain garden allows the soil to absorb water and nourish the plants. Native plants are planted in a shallow depression, where the water goes when it rains. Besides watering the plants to the roots, they also help filter rainwater and prevent dirt from reaching natural bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers.
Move trees
Transferring trees near the house can help provide shade, which helps keep the temperature inside the house cool. It will significantly benefit you during the hot season because you can minimise the use of air conditioning, thus lowering energy consumption and power bill. Power plants burn coals to produce electricity, which contributes to global warming. In addition, it causes air pollution that traps the sun’s heat, increasing the temperature. Moreover, it causes or worsens various health problems like heart disease, cancer, and asthma.
Collect rainwater
Use rain barrels to collect rainwater from the roof. You can use this later to water your plants and for other purposes, such as washing dishes and cleaning. It conserves water, thus also lowering your water bill. Ultimately, it preserves water sources, including streams and reservoirs. You may also use another container to collect rainwater that doesn’t go through the roof.
Avoid using chemicals
Artificial insecticides and pesticides have chemicals that could be toxic to the environment and even to people and animals. However, natural ways to deal with pest and insect infestations are also effective. For example, mixing eucalyptus, cedar wood, citrus, rosemary, and peppermint essential oil with water helps prevent insects.
Start practising sustainable gardening to help save the environment and reap other benefits, like consuming less energy and saving money.
