We have been working alongside Deanna (Instagram – @mylittlegardeninessex) to help spread awareness of our Plant Hope campaign. Our aim is to encourage our customers to become more sustainable to help change for a better future.
Deanna is already doing an amazing job in her garden by being super sustainable. Read our recent interview with Deanna to find out more:
How do you save water in your garden?
“My borders had their first feed of the year this week, I use Tomorite (always have, always will). I used the water from my water butt, I have pinched the one from my allotment to have under my guttering in the garden and replaced the allotment one for a much bigger butt as you soon use up the water!”
Why do you use rainwater to water your plants?
“Rainwater is better for your plants as it often has a lower pH. The minerals that are sometimes found in mains water, especially in hard water areas can raise the pH of your root zone, which can affect the nutrient availability.
Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish. Collecting water is good for both your green space and our shared green space.”
“Last week, I decided to sow my tomatoes using the New Horizon-All Plant peat-free compost. I planted eight different varieties and I have had good germination so far. It shows that we can plant hope for the future by changing our soil to help the environment and it doesn’t interfere with or take away from our personal success with growing.”
How have you found using peat-free compost?
“There’s been a couple of differences to last year’s sowing (when using peat-based soil, as I was less aware of the impact it’s having). One is, that it dries out quicker, it contains more twiggy bits but only small ones (good to remove if sowing seeds), and also germination seems to have taken a few days longer but I’m in no rush! All in all, it’s been successful and of course, I will continue to use peat-free.”
Why will you continue to use peat-free?
“Protecting peatlands is one of the most important natural ways of healing climate harm. These special landscapes store carbon, control flooding and create homes for wildlife.”
How have you cared for your tomato plants differently from using peat-based compost?
“I’ve actually done exactly the same as I normally would – feeding with tomorite every two weeks.”
Deanna has also been using the Gro-Sure Visiroot 4 Cell Deep Kit to grow her sweetcorn. This kit allows you to check root growth and moisture levels without the need to disturb your seedlings whilst they’re growing. They are made using recycled plastic bottles and can then be recycled in your home bin collections. Deanna is using the New Horizon peat-free compost and is feeding them with Tomorite in her raised garden borders.
Planting pollinator friendly perennials
“Now more than ever we need to work together with nature in ensuring we are looking after our lovely planet. There are many benefits to planting perennials. Perennials have greater variety and therefore more various blooming times which is great for pollinators all year round.
Because they remain in the soil and grow over successive years, the root systems of perennial plants help to improve the structure of the soil. This benefits all the plants in the area, as well as the microorganisms in the soil, giving them the oxygen and water they need to survive, and routes through the soil to enable them to process more organic matter. This also enables them to store water for longer.
They require a lot less work and can also save you money over time as they will continue to grow and expand to fill spaces and prevent weeds, all with a little TLC. Trees and shrubs are also perennials, they are a great investment for the colder months when wildlife needs somewhere to keep warm and safe and also early spring as nesting season begins.
I feel buying/sowing perennials can also be better for the environment as once you have an established garden there’s less of a need to go and buy more plants that could have travelled many air miles and are likely to be in plastic packaging. I’ll keep you updated on how well mine grow and how beneficial they are to the wildlife.”
Have you noticed any bees in your bee hotels?
More sustainable gardening coming soon!
Read our ‘How to’ guides for top tips and information on becoming more sustainable yourself.