Being sustainable in the garden

Purley sustainability has in the past, provided ideas and tips and hints for sustainability in the home (can be found www.purleysustainability.co.uk/sustainhome), but as we move into Spring, we thought sustainability in the garden may help.  Remember, gardening can be big or small and can be enjoyed regardless the size of your space.  Also, remember that you will also receive the benefits of the sunshine and the exercise – and social interaction.

Have a plan – this doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate – but think about what you may want do achieve and what tools and equipment you may need ahead of time.  If you go into any garden centre, they are full to the rafters of stuff.  Some items are essential – but are they always?  Before buying new items, do you have any friends or family that may have items you could borrow?   Also check out library of things https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/heatmap/reading.

For the items that you know will be used over and over, check out second-hand shops and websites too. Buy Nothing in Purley is a great Facebook page which may have what you need.

We understand that sometimes buying new is required but do choose carefully. Try to find items that are sustainably made, easily recycled or biodegradable, and where possible avoid the plastic.  Perhaps purchase locally too – please see below for details about the local Horticultural Societies in our communities.

As part of the plan, think what you may have already; be creative and reuse and recycle, and give things a new lease of life.  Basic items like washing up bowls can be turned into planters, bird baths or mini ponds. Broken bricks or pots can be used as crocks in other containers, chipped saucers can become bird baths for example.

Some household waste can be repurposed too – for example toilet roll tubes can be used for starting seeds.

Reduce waste

Your pile of fallen leaves can be made into leaf mould to use as mulch.

Try to keep an area of your garden undisturbed with leaves, twigs etc. for wildlife to forage in and build nests.

If you have excess items pass them on to people who need them.   The Mad Duck Café has a seed swap so please make use of this.

Remember grass clippings and other plant waste can go on the compost heap or in your Green Bin (if you subscribe to the service).

Grow your own food and cut flowers

Some of the fruit, veg and flowers in the shops have an astonishing carbon footprint. Where you can, reduce your impact by growing your own, even in small spaces. Grow herbs on a windowsill, tomatoes in hanging baskets and strawberries in containers, or slot some food crops into your existing borders.  Remember your own fruit and veg straight from your tastes delicious.  Try to plant flowers/plants that will attract pollinators as well.

Be water wise

Rainwater is better than the tap. It's also cheaper and healthier for your plants too. Install a water butt or any large containers to catch. Alternatively, save your bath or shower water – known as grey water, it’s safe for garden plants despite the soapsuds, though it’s best to avoid using on edible plants.

Growing plants that don't need too much water/drought resistant may be wise too.

Mow lawns less often

Reducing your lawn cuts will increase your impact on the environment and allows grass to grow a little longer and wildflowers to bloom, providing valuable food and shelter for wildlife. It will also save energy, fuel and your time.

Avoid chemicals

Chemicals damage soil health, pollute water sources and harm a whole host of wildlife.  Try to create a balanced ecosystem in your garden, offering food, shelter and plants that attract wildlife throughout the food chain.

 Make your own compost

To make compost, mix layers of soft ‘green’ material, like grass, flowers and kitchen peelings, with drier, harder ‘brown’ material, like small sticks, dead stems and bits of cardboard.  Composting saves the energy used to produce shop-bought, plastic-wrapped compost, and avoids the transport costs and greenhouse gasses associated with plant and food waste going to landfill.

 Grow your knowledge

PHS Gardening Club operates a small trading store, for members, with a stock of regularly used gardening products such as composts, fertilisers, pest control products, flowerpots and a small range of garden tools. Larger gardening items may be ordered. In the spring, discounted purchase of Sutton seeds and other products is available.

 Membership is currently £4.00 per year per member. You can join at the Trading Store next to Purley Memorial Hall in Glebe Road and is open from 10:00 to 11:00 every Saturday during the months February to October and on Wednesday evenings between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, from April to June.  PHS host talks and meetings, details can be found on their website.

 Your membership card may be used to get discounts at various gardening suppliers including Englefield Garden Centre and Collins Hardware in Pangbourne.   

 For more information, visit https://www.purleyonthames.org.uk/PHS/

 The Tilehurst Horticultural Association (THA) aims to provide to the gardeners of Tilehurst, sundry goods in realistic quantities and reasonable prices and increase the knowledge of and interest in, gardening in general.   They also have a Trading Shed situated in Gratwicke Road, open Sunday Mornings for members (Membership is by Annual subscription of £6.00 per year, or £3.00 for seniors). 

THA also host regular talks by experts on various Horticultural and gardening topics.
These are held at the village hall in Victoria road and are free to members. 

 Visit https://tilehurstha.org.uk/ for more information.