Simple steps to sustainable gardening

Simple steps to sustainable gardening

It can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to sustainable gardening but it’s more straightforward that you may think. We’re here to help when it comes to managing your garden to get the most out of it.

The more plants you grow, the more carbon dioxide your garden can lock away – so it’s a great excuse to plant as many plants as you can. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide then convert it to glucose which helps them grow. By packing in the plants, your garden becomes a hoover – sucking carbon dioxide out of the air.

But what else can you do to reduce the carbon in your garden?

Like an onion, it’s all about layers. Layered planting puts taller trees overhead, then you can underplant them with shrubs, then perennials and ground cover, effectively creating a mini carbon sink. We already know that trees are brilliant at taking carbon dioxide out of the air so the more you can plant in your garden, the better.

Planting perennials

Planting for the long-term is also a great way to make your garden more sustainable. Buying and planting herbaceous perennials, like peonies, means you’ll be rewarded with bright, long-living plant displays.

Shrubs = carbon sinks

It’s not just trees that take in carbon, shrubs and hedgerows are great too – especially if you have a smaller garden. Fast growing, with an extensive root system, bamboo is without doubt, one of the best ones you can plant. Alternatively, Japanese maple or hydrangeas are also good.

Understanding your garden

Different plants have different needs, and many plants love dry conditions, which is great as watering your garden has a carbon cost too.  If you have a damp garden, grow plants that thrive in those conditions for example, Astilbe thunbergii or Siberian iris. By embracing the conditions of your garden you’ll make a positive carbon impact.

The RHS Find a plant tool is a brilliant tool to help you pick the right plants for your space.

Locally sourced

There are many types of plants that are imported which impacts on the planet. Non-native plants that grow slowly and require high levels of fertilizer, watering, and extra heat may end up costing more in carbon emissions than they absorb. Where you can, buy plants that are locally grown but if there are non-native plants that you want in your garden, try to ensure they are hardy ones.

Remember, here at The Plant Market, we try to source plants locally wherever we can as part of our commitment to sustainable gardening.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch, we will be delighted to help.

Subscribe to special offers and more