How to Create a Sustainable Garden in your New Home

What is a sustainable garden?

A sustainable garden relies on organic gardening methods to flourish, including using homemade compost and eco-friendly materials. It also contains native plants that attract pollinators and benefit biodiversity.

Find all you need to know about creating a sustainable garden below.

1. Make your compost

Making your compost can save over 0.1 kg of fossil CO2 emissions. Compost heaps are a fantastic habitat feature for wildlife and help improve soil quality. Avoid using peat, as it releases carbon and damages ecosystems.

Here's what you can add to your compost bin:

• Grass clippings
• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Tea bags
• Annual weeds
• Leaves

2. Recycle and repurpose materials

Using recycled materials in your garden is a great way to go green. Tin baths, buckets, clay pipes, and old scaffolding can be easily repurposed. Plastic bottles can be used as mini cloches, while double-glazed windows can protect tender plants from harsh weather.

3. Use eco-friendly materials

Choosing eco-friendly materials can reduce your carbon footprint, as they use little to no cement (which accounts for over 5% of the world's carbon emissions). Clay, straw, oak and rammed earth are great options for a sustainable garden.

Sourcing locally also helps establish a strong bond with the community, as you'll support local businesses. Most sustainable gardens feature pergolas with untreated cedar, while patios and paths are made from reclaimed stone slabs.

4. Choose native plants

You can help the environment and increase biodiversity by choosing native plants for your garden. They're easier to care for and more resistant to pests than non-native plants. For example, you could create a wildflower bed to improve pollinator diversity.

Planting a tree is a brilliant eco-friendly option if you have enough space. Trees decrease carbon emissions, increase biodiversity, reduce noise pollution and provide shade if your plants need it. They also add colour and structure to your new build garden.

Learn more about choosing the right plants for your garden in our handy guide.

5. Conserve water

Water conservation is essential when implementing organic gardening methods. You can water your plants with rainwater collected in a water butt or large container. This way, you won't have to use the tap from the main supply.

Consider installing a butt on every downpipe and avoid using a sprinkler so you can deliver water directly to your plants' roots instead of wasting it on their leaves. A water feature like a pond can provide shelter for amphibians and a water source for birds and mammals.

6. Grow your food

Dedicating a small section of your garden to growing vegetables and fruit is another excellent way to create a sustainable garden. Growing your food at home is cheaper, healthier and reduces environmental impact.

If you're wondering what to plant, our comprehensive guide to growing vegetables in your new build garden is here to help.

At Barratt Homes, we pride ourselves on valuing and protecting the environment. Our brand-new homes are 64% more energy-efficient, helping you save up to £2,200 yearly. Browse elegant 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for sale across the UK, perfect for growing families, upsizers, downsizers and property investors.

Discover unique home buying offers to help you become a homeowner, including Movemaker and Part Exchange. Call our Sales Advisers today to reserve your perfect property.