Many of us don’t consider the environmental impact of our garden. In trying to create a pretty outdoor space, it can be possible to cause environmental damage by using excess energy or steering away wildlife. Below are a few ways in which you can make your garden greener. 

Harvest rainwater

There are lots of reasons to use rainwater in your garden instead of tap water. Rainwater is generally healthier for plants because it doesn’t contain as much alkaline. You’re also not relying on mains water, which may require electrical pumps. Finally, you’ll save money on your water bills by harvesting rainwater – rainwater is free.

Just how should you harvest rainwater? The most common option is rainwater barrels, which collect runoff from rooftops via pipes. The likes of these National Poly water tanks could be a more serious option if you’ve got a larger garden or a farm. In urban areas, surface runoff harvesting is sometimes used.

There are other ways to access natural sources of water such as building a well to access groundwater. However, generally rainwater harvesting is the most practical in a garden.

Use less chemicals

There are many chemical gardening products on the market that can end up harming local wildlife. This includes chemical pesticides, chemical herbicides and chemical fertilizers.

The chemicals can be absorbed by plants or consumed by insects. These in turn can be eaten by small mammals or birds, which may become poisoned. The result is a knock-on effect on the entire food chain. The falling population of bees and butterflies is thought to be partly down to our reliance on garden chemicals. 

By using less chemicals in your garden, you can protect local biodiversity. There are so many natural ways to fend off pests such as using eucalyptus oil or salt spray, just as there are so many natural herbicides for weeds (these include ingredients such as vinegar and clove oil). Chemical fertilizers similarly can be replaced by various forms of animal dung and organic matter.

Embrace solar lighting

Want to put lights in your garden? Instead of hooking up lights to your mains electricity or using battery-operated lights, a more energy-efficient option could be solar lighting. On top of being greener, solar power is free. Solar lights also don’t require you to trail wires around the garden and you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries either. You just need to make sure that they’re placed in an area that will receive sunlight in the day (otherwise they won’t ever charge up). 

Solar lighting comes in all different forms. Spike lights are one of the most common forms of solar lighting. You can also buy solar fairy lights and solar spot lights. By investing in good quality solar lights, you’re likely to get longer use out of your lights. 

Start your own compost heap

Compost is recycled organic matter which can be spread on soil as a natural fertilizer. Collecting compost could prevent you from having to go out and buy fertilizer from a shop, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money.

Starting a compost heap is easy. Ideally you want to keep it in a compost bin or a crate. You could buy a compost container or make your own if you’re DIY savvy. 

Find ways to encourage friendly wildlife

A garden can also be turned into a haven for local wildlife. In doing so, you can support local nature within your area. Below are some of the way in which you can attract friendly wildlife to your garden

Build a pond

Many people build outdoor ponds to keep pet fish in, however they can also become a home for various wildlife. Frogs and newts can often be attracted to ponds and may lay their eggs here. Insects like dragonflies are also drawn to ponds. 

It’s possible to dig and lay a pond yourself. Alternatively, you may prefer to pay a professional to build a pond for you. To stop the wrong types of animals slipping in and getting trapped in your pond, it could be worth adding a net over the top or adding a slope leading out.

Plant a tree

Planting a tree could be another way to nurture wildlife in your garden. A tree could provide somewhere for local birds to nest. Other animals such as squirrels may also make their home in the tree. 

A tree could be a sapling or a fully grown tree. With a sapling, you’ll have to wait longer until you can reap the benefits of it. Make sure to not plant a tree too close to your home or another structure where the roots could disrupt the foundations. You can learn how to plant a tree here at this site by David Domoney and be sure call up Madera tree service providers.

Start a woodpile

Woodpiles are common for those that like to collect firewood for fire pits or chimineas. They can also help to attract various wildlife such as birds and small mammals. 

You may be able to collect your own branches and logs to put in your woodpile. Alternatively, you can find places online to buy firewood. 

Buy a bird feeder

When it comes to attracting birds to your garden, it could be essential to incorporate a bird feeder. This could be hung from a tree branch or it could be on top of a pole. You can buy bird feeders from the shop, or you can attempt or build your own bird feeder. 

Bird baths are another garden feature that may help to attract birds. You can similarly make your own or you can buy one from the shops.

Grow your own food

Your garden could be used to grow your own food. Home-grown food has many eco-friendly benefits. Firstly, you do not have to travel to buy food. Secondly, such food is unlikely to have preservatives or other chemicals added. 

There are all kinds of fruits and vegetables that you can grow in your garden. These could be grown on a vegetable patch or in a greenhouse. A lot of keen gardeners choose the latter option because it’s easier to protect your produce from weather damage. And don’t forget to hire Placer garden maintenance service.