Greener Living… In the Garden
Saving Water
Water is a necessity for maintaining your garden, but with Britons using an increasing amount of water each year1 and increased implementation of hose pipe bans due to water shortages it is now essential to practice water conservation in the garden. Reducing the amount of water you use in the garden will not only help to protect the environment, it will also save you money.
Here are some top tips for getting the most out of the water you use in your garden:
- Invest in a water butt to collect the water that comes off your roof and use this water on your garden. Rainwater is better for plants than tap water as it is softer2.
- Apply water early in the morning or late in the evening. This will result in less water evaporating from your lawn and more will get into your roots.
- Using a watering can instead of a hose or fitting your hose with a trigger gun so you can control the flow will help to minimise waste.
- Soak, don’t sprinkle. Deep watering carried out 3-4 days apart produces more roots than watering lightly every day.
It is also advised that you use some of these drought-resistant gardening techniques to reduce the amount of water required:
- Buy drought resistant-plants, reseed your lawn with drought-resistant grasses.
- Make your own compost to retain moisture and add nutrients to your soil.
- Ask your local specialist from The Great Lawn Company to apply our natural wetting agent to your lawn. Based on yucca plant extract, our natural wetting agent improves water uptake and drought resistance and increases root growth and nutrient absorption.
Composting
Compost is a great substance for improving your soil in a natural way. Always use peat-free compost as extracting peat is damaging for the environment. Making your own compost with garden and kitchen waste is an ideal solution for minimising waste and creating free food for your soil.
What you can and can’t compost:
Can – ‘Greens’:
- Fruit and vegetable peelings
- House plants
- Coffee grounds
- Grass cuttings
- Hedge trimmings
- Garden and pond plants
‘Browns’:
- Tea leaves and bags
- Straw
- Scrunched up paper and cardboard
- Animal hair
- Crushed egg shells
- Cotton wool
- Nuts (although it can take them a while to rot down)
Can’t –
- Bones
- Cigarette ends
- Meat or fish
- Dairy products
- Cooked vegetables
- Bread
- Disposable nappies
- Dog or cat excrement
- Plastic bottles
- Cans
- Plastic bags
- Crisp packets
Top tips for home composting:
- Place your compost bin on bare soil in a reasonably sunny area.
- If it is not possible to place your bin on soil, create a layer of paper, twigs or existing compost underneath it.
- Add an equal mix of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ ingredients.
- Allow 9-12 months for your compost to be ready for use; you can keep topping it up while you wait.
- Mixing and turning the waste regularly to aerate it will help it to decompose faster
- Compost should be kept moist but not wet. If it dries up just add a little water. If it’s too wet try draining it.
- You will know your compost is ready to use when it has turned into a crumbly, dark substance, looks like thick, moist soil and smells earthy.
Using your compost:
- Use as mulch around the base of plants and trees to help them to retain moisture.
- Spread around flower beds and vegetable patches to provide the soil with vital nutrients.
- For new plants, dig a 10cm layer of compost into the soil before planting.
- Sprinkle it over the soil in potted plants.
Natural Solutions for Controlling Weeds, Insects and Diseases
Top tips for greener control of weeds, insects and diseases:
- Apply a deep layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce weed growth.
- Encourage wildlife to your garden: they will control insects for you.
- Don’t allow plants to dry out as this will result in them becoming vulnerable to diseases.
- Ask your local specialist from The Great Lawn Company about our Natural Disease Control and Natural Weed Control products.
Welcoming Wildlife
By creating a welcoming environment for wildlife in your garden you will help to look after Britain’s wildlife whilst also attracting natural predators to control garden pests.
Top Tips for encouraging wildlife into your garden:
- Create a shelter, e.g. bird boxes, logs.
- Plant a tree to provide food and shelter.
- Plant a hedge to provide a nesting place and food.
- Create a pond to attract frogs, toads etc. and to provide water for birds.
- Feed the animals that visit your garden, e.g. by setting up a bird feeder.
Contact The Great Lawn Company for more Greener Gardening Advice
At The Great Lawn Company we are dedicated to providing 100% natural lawn treatments that are safe for your family and pets. Our range of GrassNutra™ products provide natural solutions for a healthy, green lawn, free from harmful chemicals.
Check out Our Services for more details on The Great Lawn Company’s natural lawn care solutions.
Transform your lawn into a Great Lawn.
Contact us to speak to your local specialist and book a FREE non obligation lawn analysis.
1. Waterwise. The Facts. Available at: www.waterwise.org.uk
2. Energy Saving Trust. Water Saving Tips. Available at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
