Jane Powerson gardening for the planet
There is no act more engaged with this earth than gardening: digging holes in the planet, coaxing growth out of it and revelling in its bounty. Yet the way we garden can make a tiny difference to the greater environment. Digging, for instance, releases carbon dioxide - yet another compelling reason for doing a lot less of this backbreaking chore. After you've finished contemplating that nugget, here are 10 other ways to garden for the planet.
1. Garden to suit your conditions:If you have dry soil, grow drought-lovers such as Mediterranean and south African plants. If you have heavy, moist soil, grow water-loving species. And if your soil is rich and loamy, then you're lucky - you can grow a large range of plants.
2. Mind your soil: Protect its surface:Unless you live in an area of high rainfall where you are always trying to shrug moisture off your soil, protect it with a mulch. Add compost to improve drainage, help with water retention and bring in beneficial soil creatures.
3. Use less peat:Peat is not a renewable resource. Use peat-free compost or make your own potting compost. Mix your own garden compost with store-bought stuff, to stretch the latter further and give it more oomph.
4. Plant for wildlife:Grow berrying shrubs and trees for the birds, and nectar-producing flowers for bees, butterflies and other insects. The more living things that inhabit or visit your garden, the more balanced it is.
5. Grow your own plant supports:If you have the room, you can grow hazel, willow or ash and cut them for stakes, instead of buying bamboo canes or pre-formed arches. If you coppice the plants (cut to near the ground) they will make strong, straight growth that can be cut every year or two.
6. Be careful when you buy garden furniture:A lot of teak is unsustainably harvested. Your tables and chairs may be responsible for destroying a patch of rainforest. Ask before you buy, and look for a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.
7. Buy local:Support small nurseries, use local craftspeople and workers to help in your garden or build its structures.
8. Make do and mend:If something is broken, fix it, or have it mended, instead of buying a replacement.
9. Recycle:Reuse plastic plant pots, use yogurt cartons for plantlets and use plastic food trays for sowing seeds (punch holes in the bottom first for drainage). Don't throw things out when you're finished with them.
Recycle them via www.freecycle.org, www.dublinwaste.ie or www.jumbletown.ie.
10. Grow your own food:whether it's a few herbs and salad leaves in a pot, or a half-acre of produce, raising your own dinner is good for you and for the planet.