Making an ecological garden requires a very different approach than making a conventional garden. The eco-friendly approach is the only, but essential, difference that ultimately marks the result in aspects such as the distribution of space, the use of recycled material, irrigation with rainwater, the use of organic seeds or, for example, the encouragement of indigenous biodiversity.
But where to start? Once we choose the plants, whether they are organic seeds, cuttings taken from nature or certified organic plants, we will plan the space intelligently, trying to combine their needs with an efficient use of irrigation and, if we wish, also with the ornamental effect. . Keep reading this Green Ecology article if you want to know how to make an ecological garden at home.
What is an ecological garden and its characteristics
Before starting an ecological garden project we must know its definition and characteristics. What are ecological gardens? This type of garden is characterized by letting nature itself regulates the space what surrounds. In other words, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are needed, for example.
The end result of ecological gardens translates into a reduction in damage to nature, since artificial tools that can be harmful are not used. Some characteristics of ecological gardens are the following:
- inclusion of Native species.
- Variety of species.
- absence of grass.
- young plants.
- Group of plants depending on the species and irrigation.
Now that you know what an ecological garden is and its characteristics, let’s see how to make an ecological garden at home step by step.
Sow and fertilize
The idea is to ensure that the plants that need little irrigation, which initially would be the most recommended, are grouped in the sunny areas, and leave the most shaded spaces for those that need more intensive irrigation. In this way, we will avoid wasting water and help the plants with the greatest need for water to survive the summer.
Also, it is important discard seasonal plants so as not to have to change them and, if possible, we will choose the native species or, even better, those that are also in danger of extinction.
Choosing the seeds for our garden
The choice of organic seeds, on the other hand, guarantees us that they have not suffered genetic modifications or alterations due to fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial treatments.
Each plant has a recommended planting time, but in general we must bear in mind that we will save more water by do it in the fallbecause this way they will have time to grow until the following spring and summer, so we will not have to water so much for them to grow.
soil type
The type of soil also influences a greater or lesser frequency of irrigation, as well as the need for fertilizer. It’s key know the characteristics of the terrain to find out if it has good drainage and what type of compost we should create at home to compensate for deficiencies in organic matter.
In case of buying the land, let’s choose the ecological one. Some have worm humus and drain water in an ideal way, and the best pots are made of natural clay or, why not, let’s recycle old furniture or objects or pallets to make original pots or planters.
Water and pests
The drip irrigation system is suitable for sandy soils and, on the other hand, if it is clayey, irrigation will be frequent and in small quantities. Likewise, the rainwater harvesting in specific drums it will be a very interesting solution for the health of the plants and for saving water.
Fighting pests without using chemicals may seem impossible. However, there are green alternatives that combat them in an ingenious way. Although there are organic products on the market, homemade tricks give a good result.
Crush egg shells or ashes and sprinkle them on the ground, make natural pesticides by mixing vinegar, onion, garlic in different proportions or circumstantially cover a plant with a fine cloth (grid type, like the ones used to protect fruits), are some tricks that work.
If the situation gets out of control, we will look for organic products that are safe when applied to edible plants. On the other hand, as prevention, strategically choosing certain types of plants that drive away one or another type of insect is also effective.
attract biodiversity
That’s how it is, fight pests Creating a certain ecosystem, on the one hand, will allow us to take advantage of the predatory function of the insects that come and thus achieve a general balance, while on the other we will attract wildlife.
Just as we promote native plants, theirs is to attract wildlife to our garden: squirrels, pollinating insects, beetles, small reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, birds, etc.
The large piled stonesthe natural ponds They are hiding places that amphibians and small animals will appreciate. And, of course, if we want to help our friends the bees, in our garden they will find pesticide free flowers where to libar happy In general, they can be attracted to any flower, just like butterflies, but we can also choose some that they especially like.
If you want to have more details about What is biodiversity, do not hesitate to consult the following EcologíaVerde post.
Ecological garden ideas
We have seen the steps to create an ecological garden project, but you may want to more specific ideas to carry out. Here we offer you a couple of ecological garden ideas that can inspire you.
Organic vegetable garden
If the garden is spacious, a very popular alternative idea with great benefits is to plant a vegetable garden. A Ecological cultivation that will improve the garden as a whole and our quality of life. For this task you can use:
- a square base
- a large flower pot
- Delimit a space with wooden stakes or glass bottles with the base up
It is important locate the garden away from trees that they remove the water and avoid the walls that can elude the sun’s rays. When distributing it we will have to take into account sun exposure:
- In the sunniest part: tomatoes, peppers and fruits.
- In the darkest part: vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli or beans.
Each type of plant requires its own level of water, sun exposure and care. To rid vegetables of pests, the mentioned aromatic plants can also be cultivated. Keep in mind that, during the winter, we will need a adequate wind protection or low temperatures.
Must be stir the soil well before planting and enrich it with homemade compost so that organic products grow more natural and tasty. In the long run, it has been shown that the organic urban garden is a savings and the quality of the fruits and vegetables is usually exceptional.
Ecological gardens for wild species
Other proposals to take into account for your ecological garden are: promote the wildlife of birds and other species by adding attractions such as:
- Drinkers
- ponds
In addition, we can also have different types of trees, use biodegradable pots or, alternatively, the lower part of plastic bottles, the integration of kokedama plants (a ball of moss covering the roots that replaces the pot) and keeping the grass longer to avoid the excessive use of lawnmowers.
Benefits of ecological gardens
an ecological garden controls automatically pests of insects, breaking with the habit of exterminating all kinds of living beings that we find. Some, like bees or centipedes, feed on minor parasites, which do have a negative impact on plants, so by letting them live we respect the micro-habitat of our garden.
In the case of being forced to act against a certain pest, insecticides can be made based on garlic or tomato that do not use any chemical compound. An ecological garden stands, therefore, as a more natural space.
Other benefits of ecological gardens are the water use and the light sources, the non-extermination of insects and the natural feeding of the substrate. They also combat global warming and its associated effects, in addition to promoting proximity trade.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to make an ecological gardenwe recommend that you enter our Garden Care category.
