Why
not grow your own vegetables? Home grown produce
is often tastier and healthier than the supermarket
equivalent. With no food miles it is certainly
healthier for the environment.
Why
save water in the garden?
Conserving
water in the garden is important as climate
change is bringing more frequent and longer
periods of drought (yes, even despite such a
wet summer in 2007!).
Water-efficient gardening
A
healthy soil with plenty of organic matter will
retain moisture and nutrients. Choose plants
for drought tolerance and compatibility with
your soil and intended position. Planting new
shrubs and trees through plastic will retain
moisture and control weeds, while loose mulches
can be used to similar effect around established
plants.
Lawns
are the thirstiest part of a garden. Letting
the grass grow longer helps shade the soil and
reduces the need for water. If you must water
your lawn, remember that infrequent soaking
is far more beneficial than regular sprinkling.
If the grass turns brown, it will eventually
recover when it rains.
Rain and greywater
Rainwater
can be collected in butts and used in watering
cans. Special pumps allow you to use a hose
with a water butt. Greywater from baths and
showers can be used safely on most non-edible
plants, provided it is applied to the soil rather
than foliage and is not hot. Valves are available
to divert wastewater to a hose when needed.
Composting
Making
compost from kitchen and garden waste can reduce
50% of all refuse going to landfill.
•
Composting in your own garden is environmentally
friendly as no transportation is required and
it will provide you with a valuable garden resource.
•
Straightforward compost bins can be used for
garden waste and some kitchen scraps.
•
The Green Cone composter deals with all food
waste. It uses naturally occurring bacteria
from the soil or in the accelerator powder to
decompose food waste.
•
A wormery can be used to convert kitchen waste
into concentrated liquid plant food and rich
compost ideal for window boxes and house plants.
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