Sustainable Gardening (2)

In our last blog article, we have already introduced the first steps towards a sustainable garden and we have collected some more useful tips for you in the following:

Fertilising naturally

Chemical fertiliser can contaminate our groundwater and in some circumstances even harm helpful animals. Yet, natural fertilising is really simple! Garden compost, for example, is perfectly suitable as sustainable fertiliser. Also stinging nettle brew contains valuable nutrients and holds off plant lice in addition. And did you know that coffee does not only get our own metabolism going, but also that of our plants, whereby their growth is enhanced? Moreover, hackled eggshells comprise chalk and therefore are able to neutralise acid soils when mixed in the irrigation water. Aside from that, you have the possibility of green manuring with certain plants that loosen and moisten the soil. They also provide the earth with minerals and attract helpful insects due to their nectar. Examples for green manuring plants are Phacelia, vetches, clover, corn salad and spinach.

Natural pest control

In order to hold off annoying vermin, you do not at all have to draw on pesticides or toxic chemicals. Instead, you could try to attract useful creatures to your garden which will take care of the pest control for you. Hedgehogs and birds love eating snails, lady bugs keep the plant lice at bay and bats eliminate mosquitoes and moths. In order that all those animals feel comfortable in your garden, you should keep it as wild and close to nature as possible. Domestic fruit trees, hedges and wild groves with berries offer both shelter and food. A colourful meadow with marguerites, poppies, cornflowers and marigolds delights the endangered bees and only has to be mowed twice a year. Additionally, you can supply nesting boxes, insect hotels and bird feeders in your garden. You should also stop to turn out leaves and branches as they grant a possibility of retreat for insects, hedgehogs and birds. However, a multifaceted garden is not only a real paradise for helpful, domestic animals, it also strengthens an intact biodiversity.