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1. Ditch the peat

Help protect environmentally precious peat bogs by choosing peat-free mulches, soil improvers and fertilisers that are just as good or better than peat.

• Soils and fertilisers: greener choices

2. Use pesticides responsibly and only as a last resort

Some pesticides can harm people, wildlife and the environment, so only use them as a last resort – work with nature to control pests and weeds instead.

• Controlling pests and weeds: greener choices

3. Get a water butt

Thousands of litres of water fall on the average rooftop every year. You can easily save on mains water by collecting some of this to use on your garden. Water companies and councils often sell water butts at subsidised prices.

• More on saving water in the garden and finding subsidised water butts

4. Compost garden and kitchen waste

A third of people in the UK who have a garden say they compost garden or kitchen waste

Start a compost heap or get a compost bin and put your kitchen waste to good use in your garden. Alternatively, find out how to dispose of it with your local council so they can compost it.

• Composting and arranging a green waste collection

5. Welcome wildlife

Encourage invertebrates, such as insects, and other animals by creating a variety of places for them to live and providing sources of food when you plan your garden. For example, flowering plants that offer nectar and pollen will attract bees, butterflies and other insects, and trees and shrubs that produce berries will help feed birds.

• Encouraging wildlife in your garden

6. Pull on a pullover

Put on an extra layer when it gets cold outside rather than using an outdoor heater. Heaters are very energy-hungry, producing high levels of carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change.

7. Choose your wood carefully

Look for labels on timber, or wood products like sheds and garden furniture, that show they have been produced sustainably. Common labelling schemes include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)  or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC).

• Timber product labels

8. Reclaim and recycle

Give old timber, metal and plastic a new lease of life by buying decking, planters and garden ornaments made out of reclaimed materials. Use your imagination and turn old containers of all kinds into unusual plant pots. 

9. Choose your charcoal

Make sure the charcoal you use on your barbecue comes from sustainably managed forests: look for labels from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), or other forest certification schemes.

• Barbecues and outdoor heaters: greener choices

10. Make a pond

It’s surprisingly easy to do – and ponds are a haven for frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and other insects.

• Encouraging wildlife in your garden

11. Grow your own

Growing just a little bit of your own produce can help reduce the environmental costs of packaging and transporting food.