How to Create an Eco-Friendly Garden

Turn your garden into a wildlife-friendly haven with our top tips on how to manage your outside space organically.

1. Eco-friendly pest control: Forget chemical pesticides that damage the environment – insects and other nasties can be kept at bay by far gentler means. Neem oil is a popular choice, while canola oil, soap, highly refined oil and pyrethrins will also help deter active pests while not substantially affecting the biodiversity of your garden.

2. Fighting disease: Some plants are prone to falling prey to diseases, but fortunately it’s possible to buy products that will combat problems organically. GreenCure, which relies on potassium bicarbonate to treat and cure diseases like powdery mildew and black spot, is a safe and green option. You could also consider making your own disease-fighting mixture from baking soda, milk and cooking oil.

3. Killing weeds: It can be tricky to find an organic product that packs a sufficient punch to get rid of unwanted weeds. One option is acetic acid, which is essentially a highly concentrated type of vinegar. This will kill vegetation non-selectively, which means it should get rid of your weeds but it will also destroy any other plants it touches. Clove and citric oils will have the same effect, as will another type of non-chemical approach: propane-fuelled flame devices. Regular weeding is the best option, and in the long term will promote a healthier, weed-free lawn.

Diamond lattice sustainable fencing

4. Staying sustainable: If you’re planning a large-scale garden project such as fencing or shed building then it’s important to use sustainable materials. Check that your wood is taken from a sustainable source, and choose an eco-friendly option such as bamboo. Wickes fencing supplies offer a large range with options to choose from a number of different woods, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

5. Recycling: Finally, recycling is just as important in the garden as it is in the house. Use rain barrels to collect water from downspouts, recycle household pots as planters and decorative items, and put your vegetable waste on the compost heap. You’ll find more tips on how to create an eco-friendly garden at the Garden Corner blog.