Spray pesticides
Nobody likes unwanted visitors in the garden. To take action against them, we like to use chemical agents. But with it we damage the soil, the plants, and ultimately also ourselves. The poisons enter the groundwater through the soil. Caution should be exercised with the ingredient glyphosate – the active ingredient is considered carcinogenic. Alternatively, you can pluck weeds by hand or use biological crop protection.
Use water wastefully
Plants need water – no question. But they shouldn't be watered either. If you still want a lush green lawn, you should use rainwater. It should also be watered at the right time. Studies have shown that 90 percent of the lawn sprinklers evaporate unused at noon. Therefore, watering should take place in the morning and evening hours.
Choose cheap plants
Flowers and ornamental plants from hardware stores and supermarkets in Europe are often contaminated with pesticides that are endangered by bees. According to a Greenpeace study, 79 percent of the ornamental plants examined contained dangerous substances for the farm animals. Accordingly, we should think twice about picking up the bargains and, if in doubt, asking the seller. A good alternative: We support the local gardener – we can specifically ask about the use of pesticides.
Use garden soil with peat
This error not only affects the quality of the garden soil, but soil with peat is also bad for the environment. Plants and small animals are destroyed by the peat. Therefore peat-free potting soil should be used.
Use artificial fertilizer
Without fertilizer, there is usually no lush lawn and no magnificent flowers. But stay away from artificial fertilizer. It does more harm than good. Plants become more susceptible and in the long run you destroy the soil. You should therefore use organic fertilizers such as compost or humus.
Use a leaf blower
A leaf blower or vacuum is loud and annoying – but much worse: it uses unnecessary energy. He also eats everything that comes in his way, including useful small animals. Therefore you should not be too lazy and resort to raking.
Feed birds incorrectly
If you want to do something good for the birds with food, you should also choose the right food and not cheap titballs (they must be free of ambrosia). You should also make sure that you only get well-designed birdhouses. The feed must not get wet and the birds must not be able to run around in the feed – and thus eat their feces.