Alt: A person holding a white flower in her hands
Pollution, climate change, global warming, melting ice caps, increasing numbers of endangered species - all of these and more environmental issues have been caught in a vicious circle. It's evident that our planet is in dire need of help. These problems have been on people's minds for a long time now. And so, and many want to try and do their part to help the environment. Recycling is the first thing that comes to mind. But those who enjoy gardening have a unique chance to apply environmentally-friendly principles to their little pieces of heaven. Although some would say that a garden is already natural and as such doesn't need any upgrades, some things you use and do can endanger the environment. Therefore, we have decided to present to you six ways to create an eco-friendly garden.
Chemicals make your garden less eco-friendly
Large agricultural organizations use pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, and numerous synthetic management solutions. They do so to increase the yield and produce better harvests. However, they fail to recognize the severe impact the use of these chemicals has on the environment. Moreover, they seem to neglect the underlying health hazards. Thus, if you want to make an eco-friendly garden, you have to steer clear of such chemicals and turn to greener ways to keep your garden healthy.
If you want to create an eco-friendly garden, go organic.
Alt: The word organic spelled out with scrabble tiles
If you have decided to move to a new home with a big, beautiful backyard, perfect for a lovely little garden, you will want to start off on the right foot. So, when you begin preparing for the move, don't forget to pack up your tool shed. Although they can be pretty bulky and trickly to handle, a good moving crew will help you find the easiest way to deal with gardening tools. Once you have settled in, you can begin applying our tips on creating a lush and green garden in your backyard.
Create an eco-friendly garden with these six tips
The fact that you want to start gardening tells us that you wish to enjoy more fresh air, be more physically active, and take care of some plants. It will be an enriching activity once you start harvesting the first fruit of your hard work and dedication. The contentment will be even more remarkable when you know you have also done something to reduce your environmental footprint. Not only will you be doing something good for yourself, but also for the world you live in, and here is how you can do that.
1. Choose eco-friendly materials from the start
You can go for sustainable materials for anything from your garden furniture to plant pots. Also, it would be best if you purchased locally sourced or produced products. That way, you will significantly lower your carbon footprint. So, look for materials such as clay, cob, wooden logs, oak, recycled materials.
Furthermore, instead of plastic pots for your plants, you can opt for biodegradable ones. You can use egg cartons or find pots made of coconut husks. As for other gardening tools, always try to find a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic. For instance, you can buy use a metal watering can instead of a plastic one.
2. Plant a tree
Planting a tree will facilitate a microclimate. It will create some shade, and the area around it will be cooler. If you live in a hot climate, a tree will help your garden flourish. Still, you have to consider the type of plant you will grow and the amount of light they require.
Plant a tree in your garden to facilitate a microclimate.
Alt: A tree at sunset, a way to create an eco-friendly garden
Not only will trees help your trees and provide you with a nice shade where you can relax and read, but they will also help remove greenhouse gases and aerosols from the atmosphere. The bigger the tree, the more carbon it will store and the more greenhouse gases it will remove. Planting trees is the simplest and the cheapest way to battle climate change, so why not add one to your backyard.
3. Start composting
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and become more eco-friendly. Collect green matter all year round and keep it in a closed container (made of stone, lumber, or ceramic, not plastic!) so it's safe from the elements. You can save everything - fallen leaves, weed you pulled out, green waste from your kitchen (such as fruit and vegetable peel), etc. When you begin planting in spring, this will serve as nutritious soil for your plants.
If you are interested in making your compost, make sure you do some more research, so you do it the right way. Also, you should know that there are aerobic and anaerobic composting, so it's advisable you learn the difference.
4. Conserve water
When you set out to create an eco-friendly garden, you have to consider every little detail and seek a less impactful solution. For instance, your garden will need watering. But, you should also do your best to conserve water. So, think about buying a timed sprinkler, so you don't leave the water running for unknown periods of time.
An even better solution would be to invest in a rain barrel. You can even install a sprinkler to it and make the job easier. Moreover, such an irrigation system is beneficial in more ways than one. If you live in a climate where it rains regularly and you can collect more rainwater, you will save money on water consumption. Also, it will be an alternate option should there be any issues with the regular grid utilities. Finally, rainwater is softer than tap water and is thus better suited for watering your plants and grass. It contains less chlorine and calcium, which is healthier for your garden.
5. Make a home for wildlife
Wildlife in your garden will boost your ecosystem. Of course, there are many harmful insects and pests. However, you can attract more helpful bugs. They will help keep the numbers of destructive insects at bay. For example, soldier beetles will help your garden by eating greenflies. To attract them, plant hydrangeas and goldenrod. Also, ground beetles have a taste for slugs and snails, which love munching on your leaves. Perennials will be a perfect home for these bugs.
Furthermore, you can add a birdhouse or a small shelter for another tiny animal. In urban areas, it is crucial to provide local animals a place to hide. And on top of everything, wildlife in your garden will help the wild plants pollinate.
6. Reduce electricity consumption
It is astonishing how much electricity you can use in your garden. Only when you look into more eco-friendly solutions will you realize that. The simplest example is the lawnmower. It can run on electricity or petrol, and neither is very environmentally friendly. But there are ones you can operate manually. Also, it's better to use shears to trim your hedges than a chainsaw. They are more sustainable, and your neighbors will like you for being quieter.
Use hand tools like shears instead of an automatic chainsaw to reduce electricity consumption.
Alt: A person using shears.
If you have any lights in the garden, install solar panels to power them. Solar panels are generally an excellent solution for powering your entire house, thus further reducing your environmental impact.
Conclusion
We are living in a world that is battling a major environmental crisis. It's imperative that anyone does whatever possible to help the situation. Every little effort counts. Join an environmental group and volunteer or make a donation. Tweak your daily habits just a little bit, and it will be something. And if you can do something to create an eco-friendly garden and reduce your carbon footprint, by all means, do it.
Meta: Here is all you need to know if you want to create an eco-friendly garden and minimize your environmental impact. Every little bit counts.