Are you ready to start creating a beautiful and eco-friendly garden, but not sure where to begin? Look no further. 

Small steps is all it takes to start your sustainable gardening journey. So start small, get to work and before you know it, you'll be relaxing in your own natural oasis. 

 

Reuse and Recycle

This one you've heard a million times, but if you're ready to commit to a sustainable garden space, then keeping this front of mind is integral. Incorporate recycled or natural materials in your garden design. There are plenty of great new products out there that are made from recycled goods, everything from decking to pots. Reuse and recycle items from around the house as well. Milk jugs, yogurt or ice cream buckets, plastic bottles, egg cartons, toilet rolls, you get the idea. The list goes on and on. Get creative. Using items from around the house will not only save you money but help the environment too. Reuse older post or hop online and buy secondhand. 

 

Plastic bottle hanging planters

 

Go Solar

For many of us our garden is an extension of our home. If you like to spend time entertaining friends and family in your garden, choosing eco-friendly lighting and decor is a great option. Do some research into furniture that is made from recycled plastics or shop secondhand. Solar lighting for the garden conserves energy and saves you money in the long run. 

 

Solar garden lighting

 

Water, Water, Everywhere

Conserving and harvesting water can be as simple as collecting rainwater in a bucket, or a tank if you have one. Use this collection to water your garden later. Or, take it up a notch and find ways to conserve water around the house as well. Eco-friendly toilets and appliances are a great place to start, and taking shorter showers can help too. 

 

Watering can in the garden

 

Mighty Mulch

This may not seem like an obvious solution to creating a sustainable garden, but mulching offers several benefits. Not only does mulch prevent weeds, but compared to harder landscaping options, soft, permeable surfaces such as mulch, lock in moisture and nutrients and help conserve water. This barrier can also be boosted with leaves, grass clippings and pruning waste.

 

Go Native

While your entire garden doesn't have to be filled with native plants, they are a great way to encourage a healthy eco-system. Try planting more perennials and native plants as well as plants that generally require less watering. Work with your soil and what grows best in your climate. Watch your garden flourish when you introduce the right plants and keep track of what grows well and what doesn't. Then, stick with what works!

 

Fauna First

A sustainable garden is multi-functional. Growing a diverse and balanced ecosystem will encourage your garden to better manage itself. Include plenty of flowers to attract friendly insects and birds. 

 

Beautiful bird on bottle brush tree

 

Waste at Work

Compost is key in any eco-friendly garden. Kitchen scraps, green waste, paper and cardboard, it all starts in nature, so put it back into nature and watch how your garden responds. Create a compost bin or worm farm and add a thick layer to your garden beds each year to boost nutrients in your soil and give your plants a treat. You may also find surprise food-scrap-seedlings popping up in your compost, you can plant these in your garden as well. Harvesting seeds from your existing plants is a great way to cut down on costs of future planting.

 

Seedlings sprouting

 

Chemical controversy

If you’re ready to commit to a sustainable, eco-friendly garden, then ridding your garden of chemicals is ideal. There are plenty of natural ways to eliminate weeds and pests as well as fertilise your garden. You don’t need the harsh chemicals if you’re willing to put some thought and time into your garden space and design.

 

We hope these easy tips have helped you take the first steps to becoming a sustainable gardener. It only takes one step to start the journey.

 

Egg shell seedlings