Green Gardening
To make your garden greener there are a few basics that any household can follow.
Sections:
Pest Predators - Controlling Pests
Try not to use chemical fertilizers on your garden
Try not to use chemical pest control
Installing a pond or water feature attracts natural predators to control some pests in the garden.
Grow your own vegetables but make sure to rotate your crops. This helps prevent pests and diseases and also the loss of nutrients in the soil.
Make your own compost by composting lawn and flower cuttings and compost biodegradable kitchen waste.
Install water butts to save rain water for watering plants.
Using a good quality organic mulch (homemade or shop bought), not only feeds the soil but also helps to prevent water loss from soil. This can also help discourage weeds.
Take cuttings from plants in the garden to help restock the garden for free. They are also nice gifts for friends.
Look out for plants seeding themselves in paths or borders. They can be used to restock the garden for free. Lift carefully and pot up for the following season.
Keep seeds from garden plants (e.g Poppy seeds) for next season, or swap seeds with friends.
Use sticks and twigs from the garden instead of shop bought plant supports. They look great and save money.
Dead head all flowering plants to prolong flowering time.
Use unwanted containers (e.g milk bottles, tins) as plant pots or as mini cloches.
Re-use unwanted plastic bottles as watering device.
