Practice peat free
When you sow seeds indoors and plant up pots and containers there are peat free alternatives, tell us yours.

Remember there is no substitute for your own compost (if you have space and a heap). N.B It can take a bit of time to start producing your own.

Nuture your soil
Wherever possible compost, compost, compost and add to your soil.

Try not to leave your soil bare and exposed, you risk essential nutrients being leached away your soil feeling washed out. Plan ahead for winter months by growing leeks, parsnips and kale for food through the winter or cover your soil.

Larder beds
For insect life choose plants that come every year, perennial and biennial plants over ‘bedding plants’ that need lots of nutrient, water and rob the soil of vital nutrient. Perennials provide winter cover for invertebrates and seed heads often keep the birds fed. 

Sow and grow a mix of vegetables and flowers that bloom for as long as possible for yourself and visiting insects.

If you are  growing in pots or containers herbs like marjoram, thyme or sage are best for cooking and wildlife providing pollen and herbs for cooking.

Water less
What really needs water?

Prioritise seedlings, young vegetables and pots.
Catch rainwater, wherever and in whatever you can- every drop counts.
When growing in containers the bigger the better to hold onto water, small pots dry out quickly.

Grow wild
Where you can, let some plants run to seed and you can attract and enjoy more birds and insects.

Practice chemical free.

Avoid issues arising by rotating your crops, putting up mesh or physical barriers, or picking unwanted visitors off.

Think beyond your greenspace
Network and talk with others- the Community Learning Exchange supports community groups to connect, explore and share different approaches.