Your garden is beautiful, and you’re putting so much energy and money to keep it in that condition! However, you’re upset with those growing bills, especially during summertime! And you suspect that the garden is the main causer of those spendings. What is there to be done? We have the answer! It is energy-efficient landscaping!
It will help to reduce your bills, make your garden more eco-friendly. Plus, a well-designed landscape may save up to 30% of the energy that an average household consumes.
1. Reduce Using of Gas
If you use gas-powered garden equipment like gas weed eater it’s better to reduce the amount of usage! Gasoline is far more expensive than electricity. Plus, your neighbors will thank you since electrical-powered devices are much quieter.
Such tools are a great option for those who take care of the environment because gas-powered equipment releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
2. Use of Water
Plants need water to be green and beautiful. In summer they must be watered really often to survive. A lot of gardeners use water inefficiently, they waste resources and, as a result, money.
To save water do not use a hose in your garden, it’s better to employ can so that you control the amount of water. But if you can’t do without a hose, a trigger will help to reduce the usage of aqua.
In summer you should water the plants early in the morning or in the evening. This way soil and plants will absorb aqua better, and it won’t be wasted through evaporation.
There are other ways to save water:
• Utilize natural resources – rainwater; put a barrel and collect some
• Use “greywater”: collect water from showering, sink and even laundry. Just make sure you won’t use such water for fruit trees and vegetables.
These water-saving methods are environment- and budget-friendly. Do take them into account!
3. Take Care of the Soil
The quality of the soil is crucial for energy-efficient landscaping. You should know different types of soil so that you make it “healthy.” However, there is a basic rule. Use fertilizers, but do avoid chemicals! Compost is the best decision!
It’s not only safe to fertilize edible plants, but it’s also completely eco-friendly.
Other steps to improve the soil:
• make good tilth
• maintain the soil pH
• rotate the crops
4. Use Solar Lights
If you like resting in the garden after a tough day, you need some light. And here solar lights come and reduce your bills! They are really energy-efficient since they use small batteries, they convert sunlight into electricity and shine bright. They last long and do not use a lot of energy. Solar garden lights are not that expensive, they are easy to install, and there won’t be any wiring.
But not only that! Drap colorful solar string lights around trees and bushes, they will look lovely! Solar lights are an up-to-date, appealing and budget-friendly solution for your garden!
5. Choose Plants Carefully
Drought-resistant plants are an excellent solution for an energy-efficient garden! They are really eco- and budget-friendly. Such plants don’t demand much watering. If you use rainwater or “greywater,” your expenses will be significantly reduced due to low water consumption. Plus, you won’t have to take much care of them. Hence, there is no need to use a mower so often. If you have a gardener to do your job, with drought-resistant plants you’ll forget about this. See how much you could possibly save?!
Big shady trees are also a great solution! Spots under such trees will remain cooler. You could plant some vegetables, and they wouldn’t need to be watered so often during hot summer days.
Besides, deciduous shade trees help to keep your house cool. Just make sure you plant such a tree near the house side which gets more sunlight. We call it landscaping for energy-efficient homes. Take it into account if you’d like to reduce your bills.
We do hope our expert tips prepared with help of garden care expert Dmitri Kara will be helpful and you’ll be able to make energy-efficient landscaping in your garden!
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to make your garden energy-efficient. It’s also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your love for nature. Do you have any tips on effective gardening? We’d appreciate it if you share them with us in the comment section!
By ARCHIE ADAMS
Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.