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Sustainable gardening

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Learn how to create a sustainable garden. Find out the benefits and use our tips to get started.

A woman and a boy planting a tree in a pot in the garden.

What is sustainable gardening?

Sustainable gardening is an approach to gardening that aims to minimise negative impacts and optimise positive impacts on the environment.

It seeks to promote the health and wellbeing of plants and animals while also conserving resources.

The benefits of sustainable gardening include:

  • reducing the amount of waste going to landfill  
  • preventing chemicals entering our creeks and streams
  • conserving water
  • reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions
  • providing food and habitat for our local wildlife.

How to plan a sustainable garden

There are a range of ways you can make your garden self-sustaining.

Ask yourself these questions before you start. 

  • What do I want to achieve in my garden? Do I want to grow food or encourage wildlife?
  • Have I considered neighbours, underground services, power lines, bushfire risks, storms and local wildlife?
  • How will my pets be managed?
  • Where should I plant trees or vines to shade my house in summer but still let in winter sunlight?

You should also:

  • check how water flows across your property
  • identify wet, dry or steep spots
  • consider utility areas, storage and maintenance needs
  • research types of plants that suit the area, orientation, soil type and conditions.

Sustainable gardening tips

Work with your local soil type

Different types of soil influence where native plants can grow. Brisbane has 4 distinct soil types:

  • dark alluvial soils
  • deep red loamy soils
  • gravelly red and yellow loamy topsoil over clay
  • shallow gravelly soils.

Knowing what type of soil you have can help you choose the best plants for a sustainable garden.

Search for your suburb to find out the soil type and which plants are most suitable.

Plant natives

are a great sustainable gardening choice. They are suited to Brisbane’s climate and environmental conditions, they require less water, less work and thrive easily.

Native plants also provide food and shelter for native insect, animal and bird populations. 

Eligible residents can claim free native plants each financial year to plant in their garden.  

Find out if you’re eligible and how to claim your free native plants.

Start composting

Composting your green waste is one of the best ways to embrace a more sustainable gardening practice.

Worm farms are also a great way to dispose of your green waste and produce ‘tea’ which can be used to fertilise your garden.

Grass clippings, dried leaves and deadheaded flowers can be turned into nutrient-rich sustainable fertiliser in a compost pile. 

Learn more about composting and worm farming and the best methods for your household.