We want to see less plastics produced and innovative methods to get horticultural products out to people, which is why we developed the compost bag for life, POSIpot<\/a> and lots of other initiatives that are disruptive, challenge greenwash (when people make unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefit of a product) and counter profit over environmental benefits. Here are ten things you can do to reduce your plastic use in the garden.<\/p> Don\u2019t be afraid to challenge<\/strong><\/p> Ask nurseries or garden centres about their plastic use \u2013 Create a conversation about responsible sourcing of gardening products. Vote with your wallet. Also ask online sellers if they offer plastic-free postage and packing; if not, why not?<\/p> You may also like<\/strong><\/p> Buy local and plastic free<\/strong><\/p> Buy UK-grown plants \u2013 bareroot<\/a> in the winter (fruit trees, soft fruit etc) or use the growing number of nurseries that sell using our POSIpot. Don\u2019t buy imported plants, or plants out of season, don\u2019t be fooled by plants planted in different colour pots claiming that they are recyclable or compostable. Better not to have a plastic pot than something that has a huge hidden environmental impact.<\/p> Always buy peat-free compost<\/strong><\/p> And best of all look for nurseries and garden centres selling it in a bag for life form. Look to Melcourt<\/a>, who are launching this for the new season. Here’s our guide to buying peat-free compost.<\/a><\/p> Ask yourself if you need pesticides<\/strong><\/p> Instead of buying pesticides in plastic packaging find a natural balance<\/a> with how you cope with pest and disease within your environment. If you are growing certain plants that get a lot of problems from pest and disease stop growing them (cabbages are a classic example) and research alternatives, recognise that plants generally do a lot better outside, consider keeping areas of your garden messy and wild, most pests have natural predators, they need somewhere to live too. Research companion planting<\/a>, we sell a lot of artichokes as blackfly would much rather live on them than your beans. Then when the ladybird larva arrives it\u2019s a focused point for their activity.<\/p> Here’s our guide to companion planting<\/a><\/p> Use plastic free rabbit guards and ties when planting trees<\/strong><\/p> Guards<\/a> made from recycled cardboard last exactly the correct time it takes for a tree to establish.<\/p> Take pleasure in reusing<\/strong><\/p> Treasure pots and trays you already have, if you have plastic, clean and store in a light free environment. Start using terracotta<\/a> and value its attributes for growing. A great source for old pots is car boot sales or Freecycle.<\/p> Avoid plastic pop-up greenhouses or cloches<\/strong><\/p> These do tend to look like a solution or a good idea, but they invariably fall apart in the second year of use and look terrible. Glass is always better.<\/a><\/p>Tips for gardening without using plastic <\/h2>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/11\/IMG_20190428_145346717-064e0f7-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/11\/Edibleculture-11-800x535-feadd26-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")