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Environment-friendly gardening is responsible farming. Modern-day gardening may actually hamper nature conservation because of poor practices and improper tools. It matters a lot to practice eco-friendly techniques in the garden, making sure to conserve water, avoid hazardous chemicals, reduce carbon footprint, and deal with waste effectively. There are numerous ways to do these, but here are the top five best practices.

Go organic

Practising organic gardening is crucial for sustainable gardening. Use fewer chemicals for these are costly and harmful to the environment. It is also essential when growing food. Start by enhancing good soil and adding natural compost. Treat pests using organic solutions. Increase the soil’s organic matter that will serve as the plants’ nutrient source while improving the soil structure as it creates a home for helpful microorganisms. Make your own compost to save money and recycle green waste. Do not use synthetic fertilizers that pollute natural soil reserves.

Reuse and recycle

Use sustainable materials when remodelling your garden. For example, use reclaimed timber and wooden log lap cladding for your shed or other garden structures. Wood is renewable and has a lighter carbon footprint. Click here for your cladding options. Use plastic cups, old buckets, or worn tubs as a plant container. Build your compost bin using old pallets.

Use less water

Consider xeriscaping, a gardening method that reduces the need for water. A simple principle is to group plants with similar water requirements. Another element is avoiding lawn grass, as it is known to consume an insane amount of water. Deploying native plants is also a helpful tactic, for they require less watering. Water plants only when necessary. Lawns need only about an inch of water per week. Use a low-angle sprayer instead of oscillating sprinklers. Mulch your landscape as it retains moisture in the soil.

Choose the right plants

Native plants are excellent options as they are low-maintenance and use less water. Plants that need fewer resources make a healthy, self-sustaining garden. Reduce the grass-planted area that requires more water and fertilizer. Replace it with easy-care grasses or low-growing shrubs. If you aim to grow trees, choose trees that absorb water efficiently or those with broad crowns and large leaves for maximum photosynthesis.

Mind your design

Do not go overboard by always making sure your garden has a traditional, manicured look. It’s fine to let it go disorderly or overgrown to mimic the natural ecosystem. Consider using a rain barrel to catch rainwater and building a wetland for birds or dragonflies to visit. Add birdbaths or birdhouses.

Conclusion

Choose responsible methods that you know will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Practice techniques that encourage carbon dioxide absorption of soils and plants. If you cannot help but trim plants for aesthetics, use manual or electric-powered tools and avoid gas-powered machinery. Not all gardens are eco-friendly just because you grow plants that absorb carbon emissions and release oxygen. Many processes in modern gardening can actually release hazardous gases into the atmosphere. It is essential to be aware of these harmful processes and stop doing them.

Claire Preece