Plastic-free gardening for Earth Day

Plastic remains ubiquitous in our homes and neighbourhoods, despite efforts to change laws and practices. Next Tuesday (22 April) is Earth Day, so to honour that maybe we could make a few changes over the Easter break, to remove plastic from our gardens.

Commercial compost often comes packaged in plastic bags, which end up in landfill. If possible, make your own compost – it will not only reduce the rubbish, but can avoid possible contamination from unknown chemicals and other residue that might be present in the bought product. It also gives the household a way to save money and turn food waste into healthier, nutrient-rich soil for growing more food.

Compost, mulch and even soil bought in bulk from a local landscape supplier is a cheap, plastic-free alternative. If it’s too much for you, share it with the neighbours.

If weeds are a major problem in your garden, try covering the soil with several layers of cardboard rather than using plastic weed matting. The worms will love it, and the cardboard will add nutrients to the soil as it disintegrates, though not before it has starved weeds of light for long enough to kill them and their progeny. For a more costly alternative, most garden suppliers carry jute, hessian or coir matting which leave no plastic pollution in the soil.

Plant seeds from scratch, rather than buying seedlings in those little plastic pots. Egg cartons and toilet rolls make excellent pots for your baby seedlings, and can be planted straight into the ground to reduce transplant shock.

Tether climbing plants to wooden stakes with ties made from strips of used clothes, particularly soft material such as cotton t-shirts. Old stockings make perfect ties for soft-stemmed plants such as tomatoes as they are not only gentle, but have flexibility and length to adapt to any situation.

Eliminate plastic fruit bags by growing your own food; work with neighbours to share home-grown produce so you don’t have to grow it all yourself.