10 ways to an organic garden

It's easy to go green in the garden with our 10 tips. By Nicola Stocken Tomkins

● Plant flowers and shrubs that suit the soil. That way you won't need to wter excessively.

● Make space for a compost heap. In autumn collect leaves to make leaf mould and use as a mulch to condition the soil.

● Use organic fertiliser. If you use a fertiliser, choose an organic one like chicken manure.

● Encourage wildlife. Put up nest boxes for birds, or pile leaves or wood in corners for hibernating creatures. They'll eat some of the pests that damage your plants.

● Grow plants that deter pests. French marigolds put off whitefly and aphids and poached egg plants encourage hoverflies and ladybirds, which prey on blackfly.

● Conserve water by installing water butts. You can also reuse bath and washing-up water.

● Start as you mean to go on and buy organic seeds. Try the Organic Gardening catalogue at www.gardenorganic.org.uk. 

● Stop using herbicides and weed controls. This is particularly important on lawns. Cut frequently and leave cuttings on the surface to feed grass.

● Grow vegetables. It'll save on food miles and they'll be pesticide free. Courgettes and runner beans are easy, and salads and herbs can be grown in pots.

● Pull weeds out regularly. That way they won't compete with your plants and become a problem.

How to be green

Easy-to-make everyday changes to help you live a greener life - see our eco-friendly ideas special here

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