BECOME AN ECO-FRIENDLY GARDEN EXPERT!

03 Oct BECOME AN ECO-FRIENDLY GARDEN EXPERT!

Is your garden eco-friendly? While it may seem like an odd question as gardens are inherently by nature “eco-friendly”, but what you may not realise is that your garden practices could be damaging to the environment.

Every garden suffers from some sort of pesky problem – whether it be of the insect variety or weeds to name just two of the common concerns. Often our first point of call is to look for a solution such as herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals that are most definitely not eco-friendly.

We take a look at a few of tips for keeping your garden as natural as possible for a healthier environment; after all, sustainable conservation starts at home.

1. Switch to electric or manual. If you are using a petrol-powered lawn mower or any other equipment, it’s time to make a change. Did you know that cutting your lawn for an hour with a petrol mower produces an equivalent emission to driving over 400km?! If your lawn is big, switch to electric, and consider a push mower if you have a small area of lawn to cut.
2. Indigenous planting. There are so many benefits to having plants that are native to the area in which you live. They help you use less fertilizers, pesticides, water and they attract the right pollinators to your garden as they are designed to repel common pests, withstand the climate and live in harmony (or benefit) other plants (such as your lawn). For a full list of South African indigenous plants, click here!
3. Encourage good bugs. In line with planting indigenous, make sure you identify the bugs that can help you eradicate smaller pests like aphids and plant to attract them to your garden. Attract a ladybug army to defend your turf by planting herbs such as coriander, dill and fennel or flowers such as geraniums or cosmos, which are both tasty and colourful.
4. Water for penetration and not frequency. It’s always a good idea to water deeply but less often. Not only is this good for your; lawn but it also helps you save water.
5. Mow those weeds. Weeds that are frequently cut never get out of control. Embrace them and keep them cut low instead of using weed killer.

Using these environmentally friendly garden tips are bound to get you on the right track to fostering a natural garden that will be easier to maintain in the long run and less toxic to your family, pets and your local community. If you have any other eco-friendly gardening tips, please share them with us using #EvangrassEco.