Promoting biodiversity in my garden
In permaculture, biodiversity is highly valued. Plants, animals, insects... having a mini-farm advocating the cohabitation of different species is a way of respecting nature and its functioning. Discover some tips to encourage biodiversity in the garden.
Don't cut weeds
Weeds are plants that grow naturally in the garden. Naturally, because these plants are perfectly adapted to the different conditions in your region: climate, season, type of soil... This fits perfectly with the concept of permaculture. Sometimes the seeds of these plants are also spontaneously present in the soil.
So, to encourage biodiversity in the garden, consider leaving a patch of land for these plants. In addition, they attract other species, especially insects: slugs, ladybirds... Don't forget that some farm animals, such as chickens, eat insects and earthworms; rabbits love greenery... It is therefore also a way of diversifying their diet while respecting their natural needs. You will not have to hunt down pests. These will be eliminated according to the natural life cycle of the fauna.
Diversifying crops
Even in the same vegetable garden, a variety of crops is recommended. Mix fruits and vegetables of all kinds. You can also diversify your garden by planting different varieties of the same species. For example, varieties of tomatoes, carrots, etc. There are many varieties of tomatoes that you can grow according to their harvest time: early, mid-season and late. So your mini-farm will have production in all seasons.
In addition to growing vegetables, you should also consider diversifying the vegetation in your garden. Flowers, trees, shrubs, herbs... Mix your plantings so that you have a perfectly balanced garden. Don't forget hedges, which not only promote diversity, but also provide a home for birds.
Diversifying habitats
In addition to the weeds that naturally provide shelter for insects, consider creating habitats for other small animals. For example, you can place logs throughout your garden so that other species can colonise them and make them their habitat. You should also remember not to remove dead leaves and let them cover the ground. Other insects also take refuge there.
Another idea to promote biodiversity in the garden is to create shelters. You can make them yourself or buy prefabricated shelters:
Insect hotels for solitary wasps, bumblebees, lacewings, etc. to take refuge in
A shelter pot for earwigs
Birdhouses for each species: chickadees, swallows, etc.
Nesting boxes for bats, which can eat up to 1/3 of their weight in insects in one evening.
In conclusion, there is no shortage of ideas for promoting biodiversity in the garden. You don't even need to think about it too much. You just need to take inspiration from your surroundings to create a micro-farm that meets the requirements of permaculture.
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