main content Responsible use of garden pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides can have a lasting effect on species otherwise welcome in the garden. Ladybirds, slow-worms, blue tits and hedgehogs all help control garden pests.

Overfeeding of plants with artificial fertilisers wastes money and can pollute water. A quarter of everything you throw into the bin could be used to make compost to help your garden grow.
`Weeds' are simply wildflowers which are in the wrong place and many do not cause problems; daisies, for example, add colour to an otherwise green lawn and attract beneficial insects such as bees.

What can you do?

• Avoid using pesticides; if necessary use environmentally-friendly products or biological control methods
• Make your own compost to improve the quality and fertility of your soil; don't use peat!
• Try to garden organically; visit an organic garden to get ideas and advice.

For more information and contact details, please see 'A Guide to Greening Bromley's Gardens'.