15 Ways to go Green in your Garden

PLANTING IDEAS

Being environmentally aware doesn't mean overwhelming life changes, simple things can make a difference.

We have put together list of 15 simple and easy ways to help you turn your garden 'green'. The contents of this list might not be new, but we thought we would repeat it in an attractive all in one web page. Most gardeners might be aware of these tips, but sometimes we all need a reminder to do these things and take root.

Dedicated to a commitment in making a better environment for tomorrow.

1. Compost Garden waste & Food scraps

Compost is one of nature's best soil improver for plants. If you have a garden create your own compost to use in the garden. Most councils have a curbside collection for ‘green waste’. Councils also subsidise the price of compost bins.

2. Mulch

Mulch your garden borders - it keeps soil moist and suppresses weeds, reduces soil compaction and improves the soil. Saving you work, also keeps plants healthy and looking good.

3. Encourage Birds & Insects

Protect and encourage wildlife to live and feed in your garden. Ladybirds, green lacewings and other "good" bugs can keep aphids, scales and other "bad" bugs in check. They are a great natural pest control.

4. Leaf-mould

Leaf-mould is made from decayed leaf-fall. It is an alternative to making compost, an excellent bulky & fibrous soil conditioner, a good soil improver and mulch

5. Chemical Free

Avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; switch to organic and natural. Good alternatives are: compost; seaweed; grass clippings/leaves. All of these things took nutrients to grow, decompose relatively quickly and put nutrients back into the soil for the plants.

6. Grow native plants

Native plants have adapted to your climate and environment are better able to grow without a lot of input… have better 'immune systems'.

7. Manage the Soil

Make soil care a priority. Add organic matter to improve and maintain a fertile soil to produce healthy plants. Makes the soil light and loose so plant roots can spread out and it builds in natural nutrients that feed plants.

8. Grow your own food

By growing your own, you are minimizing pollution and saving yourself money. Even if it’s one tomato plant or a cucumber vine, you are helping to reduce food miles, the energy consumption involved with transportation and they taste better.

9. Conserve water

Water is a precious resource. Collecting rain water in water butts and other containers is one of the best ways to conserve water. This will enable you to use the water collected, to water your garden and lawn. Reducing your water consumption and saving you money.

10. Lawn care

If you must water your lawn, do it
early in the morning before any moisture is lost to evaporation. Spot
treat weeds with vinegar.

11. Recycle & Reuse

To cut down the use of natural resources, reduce disposal problems & save money.
For example:
- Use plastic yogurt cartons to grow seedlings.
- Use coffee grounds in flower beds or vegetable gardens. They are a great natural fertilizer.

12. Right plant right place

Grow plants suited to the site and the type of soil in your garden. When a plant gets what it wants, it will do well; healthy plants are more resistant to bugs and disease so you won't need chemical controls.

13. Companion planting

Growing different plants adjacent to one another for the benefit of one or both of the companions. The aroma of a companion plant deters the pest.

14. Collect seeds

Use hand tools instead of petrol powered.

Rake by hand, get a push lawn mower. Not only will you do a better job but it's great exercise.

15. Use your muscles

Use hand tools instead of petrol powered ones.

Rake by hand, get a push lawn mower. Not only might you end up doing a better job, but it's great exercise.

REDUCE

Reduce the amount of waste you create by choosing what rubbish you throw away.
- Buy only what you need.
- Buy products that can be re-used.
- Buy products with little packaging.

RE-USE

Re-use products by finding a second (or third...) use for it, to prolong the products life. Before you toss something in the (recycling) bin, ask yourself: can I still make use of this in some way?

For ideas: Recycle This

RECYCLE

Send materials that cannot
be re-used for recycling
where possible.

Pass this on!

Why not share this knowledge with others. They are small steps but if every person you know could take one small step toward being greener and use less natural resources, the collective effort could make a difference.

We've complied a list of free and easy stuff to do in the garden to stay green and organic