Sustainability in the garden has great potential to benefit our biodiversity, reduce climate and environmental impact. No matter how big or small your garden is, there is always something you can do to be a little more sustainable. Because your garden can be more or less environmentally friendly depending on how you grow it, if you want to grow consciously, you should minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides and invest in a completely organic garden. For advice and inspiration for a sustainable and organic garden, check out Sara Backmo or Farbror Grön (both in Swedish).
Advice for a conscious garden
- Use organic seeds and plants.
- Grow edible crops. By producing your own organic food, you reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce the impact on the environment.
- Do not water too often, the plants feel best from real root soaks. Preferably use river or lake water for your crops. Ground cover with grass, straw or leaves reduces the need for watering.
- Reduce the risk of plant diseases through crop rotation.
- Invite nature. Makes it easier for small animals and insects to thrive in the garden, it contributes to diversity and reduces pest infestation. Let part of the lawn become a meadow, plant flowers that attract bees and butterflies and set up nests for birds, bees and bumblebees.
- Use mainly hand power and biological pesticides, weed vinegar and hot water go a long way, as well as covering the soil with a ground cloth.
- Start a compost to gain access to nutrient-rich soil.
- Use only natural fertilizers, such as chicken manure, nettle water or gray water, and avoid artificial fertilizers.
- Recycle, plant your plants in an old jar or box that you already have at home.
- Scythe and hand-driven cylinder mowers are the most environmentally friendly alternatives. If you need one that is petrol-powered, choose a 4-stroke with catalytic converter, preferably Nordic Eco Labelled (Svanenmärkt).
- Avoid unnecessary electric tools, hand tools often work just as well.
- Build and renovate with environmentally friendly wood. Use untreated wood or treat with linseed oil.
- Do not buy garden furniture that is made of wood from unsustainable forestry.
- If you do not have your own garden, you can ask your municipality to start cultivation in an urban garden or get a cultivation plot. Maybe your tenancy or tenant-owner association can arrange so that you can grow on the courtyard.
- Collect rainwater in barrels or in other ways to reduce water consumption.
- Buy Swedish-grown plants from local market gardens.
Page updated 2021.
