North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

The sight of a beautiful lush garden is enough to make any green-fingered horticulturalist    happy, and being able to achieve this without harming the environment will offer a great deal more satisfaction.  

Water

A green garden needs lots of water, which does not have to come from already dwindling sources.  Set up a water butt in an external location where it can collect rain water and, if possible, place it beneath a drain spout where water run-off flows.  Fill a watering can from this source to water plants rather than using a hose to limit wastage.      

Pests

While birds and squirrels may be a welcome sight, some insects and rodents are distinctly less desirable and are seen as pests especially when they feast on planted vegetation.  A natural remedy to repel cats from the garden is to placing citrus peels amongst the plants or a cayenne pepper solution as both are non-toxic to plants and animals, but cats do not like the smell.  The pepper can also be used to prevent ants from taking up residence.  Slugs and snails can be disposed of by burying a container into the soil so that the rim is level with the surface.  These creatures love beer and will happy get drunk on it before falling in.  Mice and rats do not like the strong scent of mint so planting springs where the garden meets the property border can help prevent rodents making their way inside. 

Feed the Soil

In order to ensure a plentiful and good quality yield of any fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, it is essential that the soil is full of nutrients.  Recycling kitchen scraps can be used for this purpose, which can reduce the waste that goes to landfill.  Compost fruit and vegetable peel in a covered container and use this in the garden.