In the Garden

In the Garden

Many of us think of our gardens as our refuges from the world but our attempts at turning our own little patch into an idyll can have far reaching and detrimental consequences. A little effort can ensure your garden stays beautiful without harming the planet.

Better ways to water

Avoid using a hose wherever possible - use a watering can for the garden and buckets of water for washing the car

Try to water plants at sunset, rather than in the heat of the day - this will enable the water to soak through to the roots, rather than simply evaporate

Install a water-butt to collect rainwater for your garden

Water plants more effectively by pouring water through an upturned plastic bottle with the bottom chopped off and the neck buried in the ground. This will ensure that the water reaches the roots more directly

Let your grass grow a little longer - it will require less water

Recycle your rubbish, reduce your pollution

Start a compost heap or wormery - these recycle organic waste, including food, and produce excellent compost

Don't burn rubbish - this can produce toxic chemicals, as well as releasing carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change

Don't use chemicals in the garden - as they will eventually end up in the sea and can upset the delicate balance of lifecycles

Organic and environmentally friendly fertilisers and pesticides are available- organic gardening reduces pollution and is better for wildlife

Respect nature

Don't buy peat or plants grown in peat. It is irreplaceable. Alternatives are available

Only buy garden bulbs from cultivated stocks

Plant native wild flower seeds in your garden

Encourage wildlife in your garden - put up nest boxes, build a pond and plant a wide range of native flowers and plants

Get a corner of the garden ready in October for hibernating animals such as hedgehogs and frogs

Use non-toxic organic fuels to light your barbeque and for greenhouse heaters. For information about these fuels visit www.greenheat.co.uk

© WWF-UK reproduced here with permission