Three New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
Gardening is a quintessential pastime, and one which still sparks joy in millions of us each year. Being green-fingered is certainly a joyous thing in the warmer months, but as winter descends the hobby can get a little harder to enjoy. It is all too understandable, then, that gardening might not feature highly in many peoples’ new year’s resolution lists.
While the new year is very much underway, it is never too late to establish some core resolutions with which to approach the coming months – and doing so could give you some real direction for your growth as a green-fingered hobbyist in 2024. What resolutions could you fold into your practice?
#1 – Reduce Plastics
Environmental concerns have taken centre stage in recent years, as the climate crisis continues to grow and issues surrounding local and national conservation make news headlines. There are many ways we can address our own contributions to carbon emissions and local pollution, but one of the more impactful from a horticultural perspective can be the elimination of single-use plastics from gardens. Not only can non-biodegradable plastics hamper wildlife in the short term, but they can also leach dangerous chemicals into the soil – making your work harder.
Of course, plastic isn’t necessarily the enemy of sustainable gardening – as evidenced by certain specific tools and provisions, one of which is the polytunnel. A polytunnel is a shrewd use of material, being reusable and practicable for the long-term cultivation of more exotic plants and produce. They enable the sustainable growth of Mediterranean fruit and vegetables, and can minimise the use of harmful single-use plastics elsewhere too.
#2 – Welcome Wildlife
Wildlife is an essential consideration with regard to any horticultural activity, but refocusing your attentiveness on the ecosystems in your back garden could be an excellent move for the new year – and indeed for the health of your garden.
Biodiversity enables diversity of plant growth, and a variety of bugs and animals are necessary to enable the pollination of many flowers and plants in your garden. Planting a wildflower zone specifically to harbour more insects and animals can be a positive move for your garden as a whole. You might also add a bird bath, to encourage the visitation of birds and to help your garden’s ecosystem self-regulate.
#3 – Water Conservation
Gardening unavoidably entails watering. Your plants and flowers require water to survive, let alone thrive; depending on the size of your garden, this can lead to many days of using your hose to douse flowerbeds and lawns with gallons of water.
Water scarcity is a real concern though, and especially so against the backdrop of the climate crisis. Making your garden less reliant on external water supply can be a profound resolution, for water conservation and the self-sufficiency of your garden.