To first understand what is meant by the term “sustainable gardening” we first must understand what the phrase means. In simple terms, sustainable gardening is the practice of actively trying to give back to the earth while doing as little damage as possible. It arose to try and combat the effects of climate change.
Now that we know what sustainable gardening is, we can start to see why it is so important. As a result of the generations upon generations abusing our planet’s natural (and finite) resources and generating tons of pollution every day, our planet is dying. We can see it in the changing weather and the melting polar ice. Our earth is coming ever closer to that point of no return where it will be too late to reverse what we’ve done. But it is not too late to try and make a difference right now. Its common knowledge that our earth’s green spaces are vital for our planet’s survival, and this is where the practice of sustainable gardening comes in. While increased urbanisation is slowly destroying our planet’s outdoor spaces, we often forget we have a pocket of nature right in our backyard. By practising sustainable gardening methods, we as individuals can do our part to combat the damage done to our earth.
So now that we all understand what sustainable gardening is and why it is so important for the future of our planet, we at Impactful Governance have rounded up a few of our favourite tips to create a sustainable garden of your own.
1. Go all-natural.
While pesticides may be the most common and convenient way to get rid of unwanted visitors, they are full of harmful chemicals that damage the overall health of your plants and the wildlife that call your garden home. Companion plants and beneficial insects are a much more eco-friendly alternative. Companion planting works by planting two plants near each other to enhance each other’s growth or offer pest protection. A good example of a companion plant is Borage. When planted near tomato plants it prevents the unwanted visitation of tomato hornworms, real pain for tomato growers everywhere. What’s more, honeybees and other beneficial pollinators adore borage blossoms. By planting borage, not only will you be discouraging unwanted pests, but you will also be providing a valuable source of nutrients for our Earth’s bees.
2. Avoid Peat.
Peat is often used as an addition or as an alternative to compost. It’s made from the remains of plants and vegetables that were around millions of years ago. You would think adding peat to your soil would be a good thing but unfortunately, you would be wrong. You see, peat bogs are a haven for all sorts of wildlife and when we mine this material for our gardens, we are destroying these organisms’ habitats. Peat bogs also store carbon and damaging them releases this greenhouse gas back into our Earth’s atmosphere. In addition to this, peat is also an unsustainable material because of how it is made. It takes millions of years to form, and we are mining it faster than it can reform, meaning that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Therefore peat-free compost is so important. Not only is it much better for the environment and exponentially more beneficial for your garden, but you can also make it at home with the green waste you produce, saving you more money in the long run.
3. Sustainable decorating.
Creating a sustainable garden doesn’t just begin and end with the plants you choose to cultivate, it also extends to the décor you have in your garden. As we head into the warmer months, we’ll be using our gardens much more. Whether it be a fancy garden party or a get together between family and friends, we will all need somewhere to relax. If you are in the market for some new garden furniture, try buying furniture made from sustainable or recycled materials. This Astor table and chair set prove that furniture made from recycled materials can be stylish and sustainable. If that’s not your thing, then this garden set is not only perfect for entertaining guests but is also made from natural and sustainable materials.
All in all, sustainable gardening is just one way to give back to the earth. By doing what we can with the green spaces we have, we can give back to our planet and reduce our impact on the environment. By incorporating sustainable gardening practices into your garden, you can be assured that you are doing your part to help the planet.