6 Ways To Have A More Eco Friendly Garden
Want to have a more eco friendly garden? It’s easier than you think! Just follow these 6 simple steps
By Chere Di Boscio
You’d think that of all places, a garden would be the healthiest, most wholesome area of your entire house. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case, for several reasons.
Most obviously is the fact that many people use pesticides, fungicides and herbicides on their lawns. Obviously, these are harmful to wildlife. But some of these products are so toxic, there have been several lawsuits against their manufacturers, due to their relation to cancer.
But there are other common things most of us do in the garden that are actually pretty bad for the planet. Even though we might not realise it!
If you’d like to have a more eco friendly garden, it’s actually pretty simple.
Read our simple tips, and get a ‘greener’ garden, fast, no matter how big or small your space is.
6 Ways To Create A More Sustainable Garden
1. Ditch the hose & sprinklers
If you use a sprinkler or an unattended hosepipe, there is likely going to be an incredible amount of water that goes to waste. Collecting rainwater in a water butt is a great way to save many litres throughout the year.
You can also use a watering can rather than a hose, directing water straight to the roots of your plants where it will be most effective. But if you must use a hosepipe, ensure it’s fitted with a trigger nozzle. This will stop the flow of water when you release it. In order to keep that water in the soil, use mulch to cover it. Mulch holds water, reduces evaporation, and also keeps weeds down.
2. Use compost
Healthy soil holds the key to creating a sustainable garden. And learning how to make compost is one of the best ways to keep your soil happy.
To get started, don’t leave your food waste for the garbage collectors. Instead, either make a composter in your back yard, or, you’re stuck for space, get an under-counter composter. Use all the decomposable left-overs from your meals to feed the plants and flowers in your garden. From peas and beans and to egg shells and banana skins, these unwanted scraps will be the elixir of life for your garden.
Making your own compost isn’t only more natural than shop-bought compost, but it’s also a great way to reduce landfill waste! It’s one of the most eco friendly, inspiring things you can do.
3. Attract bees and birds with the right plants
Why not try to attract both bees and birds to your garden? To do so, first you should ditch all pesticides and fertilisers, as mentioned above. In particular, neonics and glyphosate (brand name: Roundup) are very harmful to bees (and birds and humans, too!).
Then, plant flowers that attract wildlife, Depending on the region where you live, these could include:
- prairie flowers
- black-eyed Susans
- daisies, grasses
- coneflowers
- milkweed
And finally, create a bird feeder (and recycle a plastic bottle!) by following this tutorial.
Now, sit back and enjoy the little Eden you’ve created!
4. Learn how to make your own pesticides, fertilisers & weed killers
One of the best things you can do to create a more eco friendly garden is to ditch the toxic weed killers and pesticides. As I mentioned above, herbicides like glyphosate are deadly not only to weeds, but to bees, birds and even humans. The same is true for many pesticides, too.
So, what’s the solution? Make your own, of course!
For pesticides, there are loads of different recipes you can create at home, depending on the bugs that are plaguing your plants. Here are a few recipes to try.
For weed killers, it’s a bit simpler. Pulling weeds out by hand is the best and most effective solution. But if you’re unable to do this, try this recipe:
- 1 gallon white vinegar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
And finally, for fertilisers, first, you need to know what’s missing from your plants’ diet. Follow the guide below.
5. Plant more native species
Another way to have a more eco friendly garden is to include native plants in your landscape to support insects and wildlife.
And the reason for that is simple. If you choose the correct plants for the region you live in, they’ll need less feeding and watering. But the best part is this: they’ll attract more native species that rely on them to live.
Moreover, creating a wildflower patch, however small, will help and encourage a huge diversity of wildlife.
6. Say goodbye to grass
My final tip for having a more eco friendly garden is to ditch the grass.
As mentioned above, there are loads of benefits to having native plants in your garden. And there are loads of detriments to having that typically American, sprawling (and let’s face it, rather boring) green grass lawn.
First of all, that kind of grass needs constant mowing, fertilising and watering. Secondly, and most unfortunately, many people dump toxic herbicides on it in order to ensure the ONLY thing on their lawn is grass. No weeds allowed! (No matter how beneficial they may be).
Thirdly, grass is a fairly sterile environment. Not many insects or animals can call it home.
And finally, replacing it with anything from wildflowers to a food garden is more beneficial for wildlife – and you!
FAQs: Creating a More Eco Friendly Garden
What is an eco friendly garden?
An eco friendly garden is one that works with nature rather than against it. It minimises chemical use, conserves water, supports wildlife, and improves soil health using natural methods.
Is it expensive to create a sustainable garden?
No. Many eco friendly gardening practices actually save money over time, such as composting food waste, collecting rainwater, and reducing the need for fertilisers and pesticides.
Do I need to stop using all chemicals in my garden?
For a truly eco friendly garden, it’s best to avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These chemicals can harm pollinators, soil life, water systems, and even human health.
Are homemade pesticides really effective?
Yes, when used correctly. DIY solutions like soap sprays, vinegar mixes, and natural repellents can be effective for common garden pests without harming beneficial insects when applied carefully.
How does composting help the environment?
Composting reduces landfill waste, lowers methane emissions, and creates nutrient-rich soil that improves plant health naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Why are native plants better for the environment?
Native plants are adapted to local conditions, so they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. They also provide essential food and habitat for native insects, birds, and pollinators.
Is replacing grass really better for wildlife?
Yes. Traditional lawns offer little food or shelter for wildlife and require heavy watering and maintenance. Replacing grass with native plants, wildflowers, or food gardens greatly increases biodiversity.
Can I have an eco friendly garden in a small space?
Absolutely. Even balconies, patios, and small yards can be eco friendly by using containers, composting, growing native plants, and avoiding chemical products.
Creating a more eco friendly garden doesn’t require perfection — just better choices. Small changes, made consistently, can transform any outdoor space into a healthier environment for you and the planet.
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