Chemical free alternatives to use in the garden this spring

Brits are being told of chemical free alternatives they can use in the garden this spring to avoid unintentionally deterring or harming wildlife.

The gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared natural ways to tackle common problems such as weeds, pests and poor lawn growth.

Overusing chemicals in the garden could deter or harm wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs, leaving them with contaminated food and burns.

Instead, using boiling water, strong scents such as onions and garlic and companion planting are just some of the chemical free solutions that can be used.

Opting for more natural methods can also be more cost-effective, and help protect the environment, support wildlife and provide better long-term health for gardens.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Opting for more natural solutions in the garden can have several benefits to the environment, wildlife and your garden.

“Chemical solutions aren’t the be all and end all and there are actually plenty of alternative ways we can maintain our outdoor spaces using safer methods.

“Some pests for example can be kept away with strong scents such as onion and garlic, and weeds can actually be killed and kept under control with just boiling hot water.”

Chemical free alternatives to use in the garden:

Deter pests with scent

While pesticides may be useful for controlling and repelling pests they can actually cause  harm to both plants and wildlife. Instead, keep pests away by opting for natural repellents such as garlic and onion.

Opt for natural lawn fertilisation

There are plenty of natural ways you can add important nutrients to your lawn to help it grow. Consider leaving some grass clippings on your lawn after you have mowed it. These will quickly decompose and add nitrogen back into the soil. You can also add a thin layer of compost and manure. Don’t forget to aerate your lawn as well to improve airflow and allow the nutrients to penetrate the soil.

Overly tidy garden

Everyone wants a neat garden but over-pruning and constant tidying removes shelter and natural materials that are useful to wildlife. Consider leaving one area of your garden untidy with leaves and logs to provide shelter for animals such as hedgehogs and birds.

Companion planting

Companion planting is a great, natural solution for many problems in the garden and it’s also a way to add variety and interest. This method can be used to control weeds, pests, diseases and improve soil health. It’s important to carry out research on which combinations will help with your specific concerns.

Kill weeds with water

Getting on top of weeds now can help make them less of an issue later on in the year. Consider getting rid of weeds naturally by pouring boiling water, this should scald the weed and the root meaning it shouldn’t grow back