Garden Recycling

The easiest place to start recycling is in your own back garden! By re-using and avoiding waste you can have a healthy garden and save money. Here are some suggestions for recycling in your garden :

Recycle and save water

- Install a water butt to conserve rain water - most plants will prefer this to tap water!
- Dishwater or water used to wash vegetables can be used to water your garden - provided the water has cooled and does not contain any chemicals.
- Mulching your borders, not cutting your grass too short and choosing plants that like dry conditions (Grasses, herbs, succulents) are other ways to conserve moisture.
- Fit a nozzle to your hosepipe so you can control the flow of water

Compost

- Create a compost heap to make your own compost and mulch. This will save you money and is conveniently in your garden when you need it! If you can make one from old wood its even better! A compost bin will also encourage many beneficial insects.
- A third of household waste can be composted including:
Fruit and vegetables
Teabags
Cardboard and newspaper
Your garden cuttings

Be imaginative!

- Seedlings can be planted in empty yoghurt pots, egg cartons etc
- Empty plastic drinks bottles can be used as planters/bird feeders
- String old CD's together to scare off birds
- Sow grass seed on old tea-bags and use them to plug holes in your lawn.
- Look for garden products that have been made from recycled materials such as garden furniture.

Keep your garden maintained

- Don't give up on your plants too easily - some that look tired may simply need a prune (and some compost!).
- 'A little but often' garden maintenance will avoid large unmanageable amounts of cuttings being created.
 

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