10 steps to a greener garden

If you’re keen to grow greener, but not sure where to start, here are some simple suggestions. However big or small your garden, we have constructive actions you can take right now that don’t require dramatic changes or lots of extra effort. So just pick one or two from our list and give them a try. We’ll cover all of these topics in more detail in the coming months

Greener facts

In 1991-2020, rainfall increased by 12% (winter) and 7% (summer) compared to 1961-1990

In 2020, trees carried leaves for 6.2 days longer, on average, than during 1999-2019

1 Just grow

Raising plants, and more of them, is a key weapon in the fight against climate change. Plants absorb CO2, remove pollutants from the air and hold water in the soil, helping to prevent further climate change, improve air quality and prevent flooding. Trees are key but so too are the layers of shrubs and perennials underneath. And don’t forget your pond – a well-planted pond stores more CO2 than an equivalent area of trees. Why not start sowing seeds indoors now – see GardenersWorld.com/sow-indoors

2 Farm at home

Make food miles a thing of the past by growing your own veg and enjoying seasonal eating. Start with easy crops like salad leaves, fast-growing herbs, courgettes and climbing beans. If you have a greenhouse or sheltered patio, try tomatoes and peppers. You won’t be totally self-sufficient, but it all adds up! Start off chillies now on a warm windowsill. And if you love cut flowers at home, grow your own – imported flowers come with eye-watering air miles, so learn to love your local blooms. For our beginners’ veg-growing advice, see GardenersWorld.com/easy-veg

3 Turn grey to green