There are many ways you can promote wildlife and help the environment
- Conserve water - use it responsibly, install water butts, water deeply rather than frequently to encourage deeper roots. Watering first thing is most efficient.
- Use mulch around plants to keep in moisture and reduce the need for watering.
- Encourage wildlife…. with pollinator-friendly plants and bee hotels. Build a log pile as an undisturbed habitat for insects.
- Install a pond - and always make sure there’s an escape route for any wildlife that fall in, such as a plank or bricks. Ponds encourage frogs, which eat slugs!
- Find alternatives to chemicals -use mesh or the top half of large drink bottles to protect plants from pests. Cardboard and wood chip make good weed suppressors.
- Recycle plastic pots - they’re free on Potswap on the communal plot by the main gate.
- Make your own compost from green waste in bins made from pallets.
- If buying compost, make sure it is peat free.
- Check out Charles Dowding’s no dig advice https://charlesdowding.co.uk If you have raised beds plant veg 5cm in as the soil heats up more quickly around the edges.
- Donate surplus food and flowers to your friends, neighbours and local charities.