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Create an organic garden rich in biodiversity is within everyone’s reach, thanks to a few simple tricks.
By opting for native plantsin letting the grass grow naturally or by adopting organic mulching methods, you can support a healthy ecosystem.
Find out how to avoid the use of chemical products, choose melliferous plantscompost, and adopt respectful practices to transform your garden into a veritable ecological refuge.
Choose native plants
Opt for native plants is essential to sustain biodiversity. These plants, grown in the local environment, are better adapted to the climate and soil, and require fewer resources.
Choose organically grown plants if possible, and avoid double flowers, which provide little nectar for pollinators.
Let the grass grow
A simple way to encourage biodiversity is to let part of your garden evolve naturally.
By allowing grass and weeds to grow, you provide a valuable habitat for a multitude of species, from insects to small mammals. This natural space also encourages pollination and improves soil quality.
Using organic mulch
Mulching is an environmentally-friendly technique that involves covering the soil with organic matter such as straw or dead leaves.
This helps conserve moisture, enriches the soil with nutrients and inhibits weed growth without the need for herbicides. Avoid peat-based growing media, which are unsustainable and threaten peat bogs, already fragile ecosystems.
Favoring melliferous plants
Visit honey plants and nectar-bearing plants provide pollen and nectar for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. By introducing single rather than double flowers, you maximize the nutrient supply for these precious garden allies. These plants also contribute to fruit and vegetable fertilization, improving production.
Chemical-free
To create a truly environmentally-friendly garden, ban chemical pesticides and herbicides.
These substances eliminate not only pests but also many of the beneficial creatures that contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Adopt natural pest management methods, such as introducing natural predators or using biological repellents.
Composting and the circular economy
Composting is an essential practice for reducing garden waste while enriching the soil.
By transforming organic waste into compost, you strengthen the soil’s structure and increase its ability to retain water. This makes your garden less dependent on chemical fertilizers while supporting a small-scale circular economy.
The underpants test: a playful assessment of fertility
To assess the health of your soil in a fun way, the “underpants test” is an accessible method. It involves burying a pair of cotton underwear in the soil, then digging it out after two months.
If the cotton is largely decomposed, this indicates lively and active microbial biodiversity, a sign of fertile soil.
