Creating Your Own Eco-Friendly Garden Space

For many, gardening is a relaxing, rewarding hobby. There are some gardening communities that prefer to have sustainable, eco-friendly garden spaces. If you are keen to also do your share for the environment by making your allotment eco-friendlier, then this article is for you. Today we’re going to discuss different ways to move away from conventional gardening; to create more natural, organic areas.

Conserve the Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen-rich soil is vital to healthy plant growth. Many gardeners use nitrate fertilisers, but chemical compounds are not always eco-friendly. Also, planting the same crops over and over depletes the soil of its nitrogen. The easiest way you can keep the soil healthy and fertile is to rotate crops and plant nitrogen-fixing plants in your garden.

For example, if you continually plant peas, the nitrogen level in the soil will eventually deplete. It would be helpful to plant beetroot after a pea harvest to help the soil recover. If you want to plant colourful shrubs in your garden to increase the nitrogen in the soil, then Broom, Elaeagnus and Gorse are excellent options.

Eco-Friendly Buildings and Furnishings

Do you have wooden furniture or sheds in your garden? If so, do you know if they are treated with an eco-friendly, weatherproof substance? For many years timber that was treated with CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) or Creosote were popular choices for construction because the lifetime of the timber was at least twenty years.

However, many countries, including the UK, have banned the use of CCA treated timber in residential construction because the heavy metals may leach into the soil resulting in contamination. Creosote’s days also appear to be numbered as the EU Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) places restrictions on the timber industry.

There are many eco-friendly timber treatment products available on the market, but why not make a creative statement by using a sustainable alternative in your garden? Rattan corner dining sets are quickly gaining popularity among people wanting to make a difference to the environment. Other eco-friendly furniture solutions include aluminium, bamboo or sustainably harvested hardwood such as teak.

Attract Pollinators, Particularly Bees

The world’s bee population is endangered for various reasons, including the use of pesticides by farmers and gardeners alike. Some scientists believe that if bees become extinct, humans won’t be far behind. To counter these frightening statements, why not build a bee house and plant some bee-friendly plants in your garden? A few varieties to get you started may include foxgloves, bluebells, comfrey, and honeysuckle. You’ll be contributing to saving the planet, while also having a fragrant, colourful garden to enjoy.

Be Waterwise

Water is fundamental to life, yet the precious resource is being depleted as each day passes. Consider planting succulents in your garden as they require very little water. Also, if possible, have a small lawn. Grass requires a substantial amount of care and water to thrive.

With these tips to get you started, we’re sure your eco-friendly garden space is going to be a work of art.