How to Create a More Sustainable Garden This Summer
A sustainable garden is more than just a trend; it’s a sanctuary for wildlife, a biodiversity boost, and a rewarding way to lower your environmental footprint. Now is the perfect time to rethink traditional habits in favour of more climate-conscious choices, as wild pollinators are reducing and UK peatlands continue to be threatened.
A few mindful changes this summer can make your patch of green a haven for both people and the planet.
Embrace Peat-Free Compost and Organic Practices
Peatlands are one of the UK’s most important forms of carbon storage, but traditional composting methods often rely on peat extraction. This contributes to habitat degradation and carbon release, which is why choosing peat-free compost is a simple and easy first step towards a more sustainable garden.
If you want to take it a step further, try to avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and instead utilise your kitchen and garden waste by composting it. Not only does this lessen landfill use but it also creates nutrient-rich material for your beds and borders.
Grow Your Own Produce to Cut Food Miles
One of the most rewarding steps in eco-friendly gardening is growing your own food. Even small changes such as your own fresh herb containers can help to cut down on food miles and packaging waste.
To get great results for larger crops, consider using a polytunnel. They allow you to grow a wide range of plants for longer periods while protecting them from pests and reducing water loss through evaporation.
Implement Water Conservation Techniques
With record-breaking weather patterns occurring every year, water use is a growing concern. You can decrease your reliance on the mains supply by installing a water butt to collect rainwater. To keep plants healthy, mulching beds with organic matter should help prevent moisture loss too.
Planting drought-tolerant species — such as lavender, sedum, or ornamental grasses — is also wise.
Enhance Biodiversity with Native Planting
Native plants are more suitable to local conditions and therefore offer the best support to our insects and animals. Adding wildflower areas and leaving parts of the garden to grow wild can create essential, flourishing habitats.
Foxgloves and cowslips are just a couple of native species that attract bees and butterflies.
Reduce Plastic Use and Recycle Garden Materials
Plastic in the garden is often overlooked but contributes significantly to environmental harm. Swap seed trays and pots for biodegradable alternatives made from coir, bamboo, or recycled paper. Use natural twine instead of plastic ties, and consider wooden or metal tools that are longer-lasting and recyclable.
Reusing materials you already have can also reduce waste. Turn an old sink into a planter or use wooden crates as raised beds.