Low carbon container gardening

Low-carbon container growing

You don’t have to have a big garden to be able to create a sustainable haven. Choosing the right containers and plants means you can do your bit no matter how small. Potted plants still take carbon from the air and indoor plants absorb pollutants and oxygenate the air.

Picking your plants and pots

You don’t need to buy new pots. Browse in vintage shops, reclamation yards and online for pre-loved planters. Or you can build your own planters from reclaimed wood. Try to choose large pots as they allow the plants to spread their roots.

Planter life

Choose plants that are at their happiest in containers. These include dwarf fruit and veg as well as skimmias and herbs.

Do the dishes

Where you can use containers with saucers as these will catch any water as well as retaining nutrients.

Necessary nutrients

Plants need nutrients in order to thrive.  There are T three key plant nutrients usually derived from soil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, while carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are absorbed from the air. Other vital soil nutrients include magnesium, calcium and sulphur. Gardeners can add nutrients by applying fertilisers (either artificial or naturally derived) to boost plant growth and improve flowering and fruiting.

Plant permanently

Permanent shrubs, trees, grasses absorb carbon over the longest period and generally need less compost, water, and fertilizers than hungry, fast-growing bedding plants.
Potted orchards of fruit trees and berries are the ultimate in sustainable container growing

Peat-free planting

Going peat-free is vital for sustainable gardening. There is a huge variety of peat-free compost now available in garden centres.

If you would like any further information, pop in and see us, we’d be delighted to help.