Every Garden Matters

Summary in the original language of the document

This 65th anniversary research paper from Garden Organic (the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association) focuses on their approach to halting biodiversity loss. Director of horticultural science, Dr Bruce Pearce, has analysed the latest research to provide an in-depth, independent argument on why we need to nurture gardens with organic gardening practices. The paper shows how small actions, whether that’s composting, recycling, saving seeds or planting a tree, can add up to something significant.
Key findings:
Any size garden will do...
Big or small, pot or plot - interconnected gardens have a significant impact on biodiversity.
Even small urban gardens offer high levels of nectar production, with 85% of the total nectar produced across a city provided by them.
Plant diversity equals diverse wildlife...
The greater range of plants you can pack into your garden the better for wildlife density and soil health. It’s also about getting a balance between native/near native and non-native plants.
Above ground invertebrates are more abundant under native or near-native plants, and indigenous birds are more successful in breeding in gardens with higher levels of native plants.
Soil health is better on veg plots...
Well-managed vegetable gardens have a similar soil biological quality to a forest.
Soil quality and carbon content in allotments is better than in surrounding farmland.
Take care of your soil to take care of pests...
Green manures and organic mulches can enhance soil organic matter, protect the soil and reduce run off. These practices can also reduce the density of pests and protect crops from
more extensive damage much more successfully than using toxic pesticides.