Make an eco-friendly garden requires a very different approach than to make a conventional garden. The eco-friendly approach is the only one, but essential difference, which finally mark the result on issues such as the distribution of space, the use of recycled material, rainwater irrigation, the use of organic seeds or, for example, the promotion of native biodiversity.

But where to start?

Once you have choose the plants, whether they are organic seeds, cuttings taken from nature or plants with certified bio, plan space intelligently, trying to reconcile their needs with efficient use of irrigation and, if wished, also with the ornamental effect.

The idea is to get plants that need little irrigation, which initially would be the most suitable, are grouped in sunny areas, and leave the more shaded spaces for those who need a more intensive irrigation.

In this way, we will avoid wasting water and help survive the summer plants with more need for water. In addition, it is important to discard the plants to avoid walking replace and, possibly, choose species native or, even better, which also are in danger of extinction.

Sow and pay

The choice of seeds bio, on the other hand, guarantees that they have not suffered genetic modifications or alterations due to fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial treatments.

Each plant has a preferred time of sowing, but in general we should keep in mind that we will save more water to do so in the fall, because so they will have time to grow until the following spring and summer, with which we won’t have to water for both to grow.

The soil type also influences a greater or lesser frequency of irrigation, as well as the needs of fertilizer. It is key to understand the characteristics of the terrain to find out if it has good drainage and what type of compost must create at home to offset shortcomings of organic matter.

If you buy the land, choose the green. Some have Vermicompost and drain water properly, and the pots best of natural clay or, why not, to recycle furniture or old objects or pallets to make pots or planters original.

Water and chase away pests

Drip irrigation system is suited for sandy soils and, on the other hand, if it is clay irrigation will be frequent and sparingly. Also, the collection of rain water in specific cans will be a very interesting solution for the health of the plants and to save water.

Control pests without using chemicals may seem impossible thing. However, there are green alternatives that fight them ingeniously. Although there are organic products in the market, homemade tricks give a good result.

Crushed egg shells or ash and sprinkle them on the floor, make pesticides naturals mixing vinegar, onion and garlic in different proportions or cover any plant of circumstantial form with a fine cloth, – type grid, such as that used to protect fruits-, are some tips and tricks that work.

If the situation gets out of control, we look for bio products that are safe in case of application on edible plants. On the other hand, as a prevention, choose strategically certain types of plants that scare away some or other types of insects also is effective.

Attract biodiversity

Control plagues by creating a ecosystem, on the one hand will allow us to take advantage of the predatory function of insects that come and achieve an overall balance, while on the other wildlife we attract.

We promote native plants, theirs is to attract wildlife to our garden. No, I do not mean to lions or wild boars, but squirrels, pollinating insects, beetles, small reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, birds, etc.

Piles great stones, natural ponds are hiding places that appreciate amphibians and small animals. And, how not, if we want to help our friends the bees, in our garden they will find pesticide-free flowers. In general, they may feel attracted by any flower, like butterflies, but you can also choose some that you especially like.

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