With the climate crisis looming, an increasing number of people are looking for ways to make sustainable swaps in their lives. There are many areas around the home where this is achievable, from recycling more to choosing energy-saving products, but what about your outdoor space? You might be surprised to learn that it’s easy to create a sustainable garden that’s just as appealing to spend time in but is also better for the planet.
Reuse materials as compost
As any gardener will know, the quality of your soil is vital to the success of your plants. But there’s a more affordable way to boost the nutrients in your soil without having to invest in products, plus you can make use of items that would otherwise go to the landfill, and that’s with composting. Compost is a key component of the sustainable garden and it’s easier than you might think to get started. You simply need to dig a hole, or use an old container with a cover, that you can throw your organic waste into, such as vegetable peelings, green waste and paper. Over time, this will break down and become an excellent organic fertiliser for your plants, while also minimising how much rubbish you produce.
Minimise the use of chemicals
Chemicals from weed killers, pesticides and even store-bought fertilisers can be poisonous to wildlife, not only in your own garden but the surrounding area as well. These chemicals can leach into waterways and pollute habitats. In order to create a more sustainable garden environment, opt for eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals to prevent pests and insects from destroying your plants. Crushed eggshells, used coffee grounds and even certain plants can all be effective.
Get creative with materials
Plastic has become so commonplace that we often use it without thinking. But it’s damaging to the planet, both in its production and its longevity, so finding alternatives is recommended if you’re trying to prioritise sustainability. Luckily, there are plenty of materials you can use in place of plastic, whether it’s for plant supports, packaging for bulbs and seeds, or ties for keeping growing plants upright. Opt for twine, metal or twigs, or paper packaging where possible, as all of these materials can be recycled or composted. The most sustainable option is always to use what you already have, so look around your home and see what you have to hand before buying anything new.
Install a natural pool
If you’re keen to invest in a swimming pool but you want something that’s more self-sustaining and cost-effective to maintain, a natural pool could be the answer. Natural pools look beautiful and provide a similar experience to swimming in a lake, providing an eco-friendlier alternative to standard swimming pools. Natural pools have a split design, with one section used for swimming and the other as a plant-based filtration system. There are several benefits to choosing a natural pool – they don’t rely on electric filters, heaters or pumps, and there are no chemicals to worry about. What’s more, the plant-based section will form its own ecosystem for birds and wildlife.
Plant more trees
Trees are excellent carbon sinks, absorbing this gas through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen back into the air, which minimises how much carbon dioxide is built up in the atmosphere. But they also provide other benefits for your garden, and the planet overall, from trapping and absorbing pollutants from the air to reducing noise within your garden and attracting birds and other wildlife. If you have the space, planting extra trees is a great way to invest in the future of our planet and to create a healthier garden environment – even better, plant fruit trees that will then produce fruit in the coming years to enjoy as well.
We can sometimes neglect to consider ways we can be more environmentally-friendly when it comes to our gardens. But there are areas of maintaining an outdoor space that can always be improved and switched out for a more sustainable alternative, without it impacting the success or look of your garden. In fact, in many cases, a more sustainable choice can result in something altogether more aesthetically-pleasing in the long-run.
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