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Thursday, April 13, 2023
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How to create a sustainable and economical garden at home

If you are lucky enough to have a garden, patio or terrace in your new home, you know that spring is an excellent opportunity to redesign your outdoor spaces. But do you know how to create a sustainable and economical garden? We tell you what are the 4 fundamental elements to create your sustainable garden and how to make the most of them for your well-being, health and economy!

If you are fortunate to have a garden, patio or terrace in your new home, you know that it is an excellent opportunity to design your spaces. Especially if you have acquired or are thinking of acquiring a home with sustainable architecture. We will tell you below how to create a sustainable and economical garden at home so that you can take advantage of all its benefits for your health and your economy!


But before we start...


Do you know how a sustainable garden differs from a conventional one?


Its main difference is that a sustainable garden does not interfere or harm, but rather takes advantage of the natural resources within your reach. A sustainable garden is one that, as we will see below, reuses, saves and allows natural growth, taking advantage of it in full respect and harmony with its original environment. This is precisely a fact that we do not find in a conventional garden, where aesthetics and variety usually prevail over values such as saving resources or the durability and uses of the species of plants and flowers used.


The 4 fundamental elements of a sustainable garden


We must start by remembering what your objectives are to promote: ecological, energy, economic savings... and from here, clearly define on paper how to act on the 4 fundamental elements to create your sustainable garden:< br>


1. Efficient use of water:

Water is a limited resource, so its efficient use in the garden is essential. You can use various techniques to save water, such as installing a drip irrigation system, placing covers on plants to prevent water evaporation, collecting rainwater for reuse in irrigation, among others.


If you also want this incorporation to be lasting and economical, choose the simplest option even if your initial investment of time has to be greater: no Do not hesitate, five hours of handyman will save many hundreds of euros in water for you and the planet. There are several irrigation techniques that are effective in maintaining a sustainable garden and that are not expensive to implement: 


  • Drip irrigation: This technique consists of watering the plants slowly and continuously by placing small tubes or hoses through which the water is distributed directly to the root of the plant. It is a very efficient technique in terms of water use, since it reduces the waste of water that occurs with other irrigation systems such as sprinklers.
  • Mulching: It consists of covering the soil around the plants with a layer of organic matter such as leaves, straw, grass clippings, among others. This helps retain moisture in the soil, preventing it from evaporating quickly and reducing the need for frequent watering.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: This technique is very simple and effective. It is about collecting rainwater in a container or barrel and then using it to irrigate the garden. It is important to place a mesh in the container to prevent the entry of insects and leaves.
  • Night watering: If you water the garden at night, when the temperature is lower, it reduces the evaporation of the water and increases the efficiency in the use of water. In addition, the appearance of fungi in the plants is avoided, which can grow if the leaves remain wet for a long time.


BONUS: Apply xeriscape, a form of sustainable gardening that consists of using plants that require little water and efficient irrigation techniques. This makes it possible to reduce water consumption and promote the conservation of this valuable resource. In addition, the use of native plants and the reduction in the use of chemicals and plastics also contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.


2. Selecting the Right Plants: 

To create a sustainable garden it is important to choose the right plants. That is, those that are native or that easily adapt to the climate and soil of your area, as well as the amount of sunlight that your exteriors receive. Native plants need less water and less care than plants that are not from the area, which means considerable water savings at a time when water is becoming increasingly scarce.


By selecting suitable plants that are well adapted to the local climate and environment, you can ensure greater adaptability to the local climate and soil, as well as encourage biodiversity and the conservation of local species as well as promoting water saving. When choosing the right plants it is important to take into account not only the color, relationship, size, aroma, seasonality and requirements, if not also if they generate allergic problems. It is essential to promote the biodiversity of the garden, including species that attract beneficial insects.



Tips to take advantage of The sustainable garden for your well-being, food and health:
You can easily grow them in a small garden, or even simpler: in pots in your sustainable garden. Some common herbs and spices you can grow are rosemary, mint, thyme, and basil, and they are extremely easy to come by. Additionally, many medicinal plants can be grown in your sustainable garden, from chamomile to ginger to lavender.
with the process, which can range from the germination of your own seeds to the final harvest, with everything you will learn along the way and that is, the little time you will have to dedicate to it.

You can also use food scraps and other organic materials to create your own compost, which you can then use to fertilize your plants. Quite a small achievement to be proud of.

Create a space to relax: Your sustainable garden can be a perfect place to relax and reduce stress. You can create a rest area with a hammock or a comfortable chair where you can enjoy nature and meditate and take advantage of sunlight, an important source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and also improves mood. 


Some common herbs and spices that you can to cultivate are rosemary, mint, thyme and basil, and they are extremely easy to acquire, filling your exteriors with rich fragrances.


3. Natural fertilization: 

Natural fertilization is a key technique for maintaining a sustainable and healthy garden. Instead of using chemical fertilizers, we can opt for composting techniques and organic fertilizers, which allow us to reuse organic waste from our garden and from our home. In this way, we reduce the amount of waste we generate and enrich our garden soil with natural nutrients. Long live recycling! 

Use compost and organic fertilizer: Compost and organic fertilizer are a way to fertilize your plants in a natural and sustainable way. In addition, they reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and decrease the need for chemical fertilizers that can harm the environment. To make compost, you only need a suitable container and add organic waste.

It is important to make sure the mix has the right amount of moisture and aeration for decomposition. To get an ideal garden soil cheaply, you can collect organic waste such as fallen leaves, vegetable and fruit remains, and pruning waste and use them to create your own homemade compost. You can also use recycled building materials, such as bricks and stones, to create a solid foundation for your garden.

For a floor to be sustainable, it must have a texture balanced that allows the retention of water and nutrients, but also allows good drainage. In addition, it must have a suitable pH and a good amount of organic matter to feed the plants and encourage beneficial microbial activity. You can improve the quality of the soil by adding organic matter such as natural compost and humus. You can also complement your garden soil with artificial materials such as wood and stone, which help retain moisture and maintain soil temperature.


4. Natural Pest and Disease Control:

Natural pest and disease control is another important technique for creating a sustainable and healthy garden. Instead of using chemical pesticides and herbicides, we can opt for biological control techniques, such as the introduction of beneficial insects, the use of insect repellent plants, or crop rotation. In this way, we reduce the environmental impact of our garden and favor local biodiversity.

And although it sounds complicated, it is not at all, for many years now these techniques have been used in organic crops and also on private land.


Bonus: You know the batch technique cooking? You can set up an outdoor kitchen in your sustainable garden and cook your batch cooking meals while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of your garden. A sustainable garden can be an excellent tool for batch cooking by providing fresh and healthy ingredients, reducing waste and costs, and providing an outdoor space to cook and relax.



 What if my outdoor space is small? Pergolas, terraces, exterior floors with wood or stone... Mobile or fixed structures such as shelves, hanging pots or even direct planting in pots can be of great help, not only to choose, test and combine colors and sizes. They are also an ideal method to vary your aesthetics throughout the year depending on the needs of each species. And without damaging or compromising the land or plants. They are also an ideal resource to exalt specific areas or designated dates. Like a family celebration, a candlelit dinner or even a children's party. With these resources you will not only be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces, however small they may be. But, in addition, you will decorate with taste and personality each family event that you celebrate. 



Now that you know what a sustainable garden is and how to achieve it, you can get down to work. Although before saying goodbye we are going to give you two good pieces of advice:


  • Observe your environment before to decide what your sustainable garden will be like. Analyze how, when and in what way you will use these beautiful outdoor areas of your home, and also be aware of the weekly, monthly or even annual hours that you will be able to fully enjoy it. Likewise, you must take into account its size and extension, the number of hours of sun accumulated at different times of the year, as well as the type of soil and soil that exists in your exteriors.
  • Creating your sustainable garden is a moment that requires time, patience and a desire to learn. If you enjoy watching your houseplants grow and go crazy when they give you some fruit or vegetables, you will love growing your seeds and creating your own compost. On the other hand, if you prefer peace and quiet and pursue the minimalist aesthetics of a little-cultivated garden, you can use your time to save the time you spend on maintenance, designing a simple irrigation system and perhaps lighting to enjoy some beautiful and relaxing sunsets on your lounger.

  • A successful sustainable garden requires that you take into account several factors to make it beautiful and sustainable Good sustainable garden design can help you save water and energy, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, encourage biodiversity and pollination, and improve air and soil quality. In addition, it can be adapted to your personal needs and tastes, from an English garden to a flower garden, a greenhouse or a zen garden.


    By including this service in the purchase of your sustainable home, you can ensure that the garden will integrate perfectly with the design and the architecture of the house, and that it will comply with the criteria of sustainability and respect for the environment. Sustainable architecture houses are designed to be efficient in the use of natural resources such as energy and water, minimizing environmental impact and reducing the carbon footprint. They are also designed to promote the health and well-being of the residents, through the optimization of ventilation, natural lighting and the use of healthy and non-toxic construction materials.


    A sustainable garden can complement this philosophy of life, providing a space to grow fresh and healthy food, thus reducing dependence on processed products and promoting a balanced diet. It can also be a space for relaxation and meditation, which can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.