Encouraging biodiversity

A healthy garden should hum, buzz, sing and wriggle with life. 'Biodiversity' simply means many different life forms, including the different varieties of plants you're growing, the wildlife that inhabits your space, and the micro-organisms that live and feed within your soil to support a healthy growing environment. This natural variety of species work together to create a balanced and resilient ecosystem.

Top tips for improving your biodiversity

  • Provide a source of water. A pond, dish or tray of water which you keep topped up and clean can be a life saver for small creatures and insects. A few large pebbles can help creatures which fall in to climb out and also allow for insects to land safely. 

  • Grow a range of plants.  Vegetables, flowers to attract pollinators, small trees and a mixture of perennial plants to provide shelter and food throughout the year. A wildlife hedge is a great addition if you have the space. 

  • Feed your soil. Add organic matter, such as homemade compost, leaf-mould and grow green manure crops. Minimise digging to protect the bacteria and fungi which live in the soil. Plan your planting to rotate where crops are grown each year.

  • Build habitats. Think about the natural predators that you would like to attract to your growing space. Birds to eat caterpillars, ladybirds to eat blackfly and small insects and hedgehogs to eat slugs and snails, and make sure you welcome them in with places to shelter, particularly over winter.

Next page: Applying the principles