Gardeners Urged To Tackle Climate Change In The Garden

Video Podcast with TV Gardener Diarmuid Gavin

A survey carried out by WRAP’s (Waste & Resources Action Programme) Know Your Compost Campaign, has revealed that over a quarter (28%) of the UK’s gardeners believe they can already see signs of climate change in their gardens.

Earlier blooming Spring bulbs is the most obvious sign cited by gardeners (60%), while nearly a quarter (24%) have also noticed an increase in the amount of garden waste being produced, such as grass trimmings and prunings.

Encouragingly, 56% understand the important role that recycling garden waste plays in helping to combat climate change, but it’s a different story when it comes to putting this into practice.  One in five (19%) choose to use peat-free composts and around a third (34%) of gardeners regularly home compost.  As the number of people with access to a garden in the UK increases – currently 85% – there’s still more opportunities for gardeners to help.

Campaign supporter, Diarmuid Gavin, is giving the green fingered a timely reminder about the ways in which we can help reduce the impact of climate change.

Top ‘green’ tips for gardeners

1. Choose peat-free peat composts that contain recycled materials – they are great for your garden and help to retain moisture which is important during hot, dry summers. Visit www.recyclenow.com/garden and download the Compost Buying Guide to find out where you can buy them. The Perfect Planting Guide also provides top tips on getting the best results from peat free composts.
2. Get a home compost bin and make your own nutritious compost with left over fruit and vegetable peelings, teabags, eggshells and other compostable kitchen and garden waste. Visit www.recyclenow.com/home_composting for further information.
3. Recycle excess garden waste via your council’s recycling services. Log onto www.recyclenow.com and use the postcode locator to find out whether a kerbside collection or drop-off point are available in your area.
4. Use a water butt to help trap rainwater, conserve water and keep your plants well hydrated throughout the summer.

Watch The Podcast Here

Water Conservation at the Kitchen Sink
Garden Composters and Composting Basics
Organic FAQ

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