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Top Ten autumn gardening tips to boost wildlife from the RSPB
Here are ten great tips from the RSPB to boost wildlife in your garden this autumn.
Don't over-water the lawn
Water the lawn once a week or less - watering more often weakens the lawn by encouraging roots to seek the surface. Avoid using the hose; try a water butt and a watering can instead. (Source: www.thameswateruk.co.uk.)
Use a mulch in your flower beds
Use a mulch to save water and suppress weeds - mulches such as bark, woodchips and gravel all conserve water and avoid weeding. If you live in Croydon, use Croypost - click through for details.
Water the garden at the right time
Water the garden in early morning or late evening so that the water isn't wasted by evaporation.
Install a water butt
Get a water butt - try Thames Water on 0845 658 0055 or www.thames2u.com or ask your local council if it does a subsidised one.
The green way to keep pests at bay
You don't have to spend a fortune on pesticides to look after your garden. A fine spray of left-over washing up water will ward off aphids, while slugs can be deterred with beer traps and decoy plants such as comfrey. Encouraging wildlife can also help. Frogs and toads eat slugs, and bats love mosquitoes. Small birds and ladybirds eat aphids. Try growing companion plants that deter each others' predators. Good combinations are mint and beans, garlic and roses or carrots and onions.
Get eco-friendly patio furniture
Always look out for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) symbol on wooden garden furniture to ensure it is sustainably sourced.
Have a green barbecue
If you're having a barbecue, make sure you are not using briquettes. They invariably contain a petroleum-based flammable starter that will pollute your food and the environment. Also, always try to use charcoal sourced from native coppiced woodland.
Re-use and recycle your water
10:39am Sunday 8th July 2007
Re-use water for other purposes. Save rinse water, pre-heated shower water (ie. while your waiting for the water to heat up), and the run-off from roof-tops and gutters. This water can be used for plants or other household purposes.
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