Vegetable gardens and allotments
Vegetables and fruit are wonderful for wildlife; as long as you don’t mind sharing some of it!
Whether you grow edible plants throughout your garden, or have a dedicated plot, there need not be a battle with wildlife
All plants need pollinators, so bees, butterflies and hoverflies are the vegetable gardener’s best friends
Careful preparation and maintenance along with companion planting will reduce pest insects.
Attracting predatory insects, birds, small mammals, toads and frogs will help to reduce problem wildlife further.
Using natural fertilisers made from plant waste helps to inhibit weeds and won’t endanger helpful wildlife.
If slugs and snails get out of hand, there are natural barrier solutions which do not include chemicals which can hurt other wildlife. Attracting hedgehogs, toads and thrushes will help to reduce mollusc infestations as well.
Berry crops may need netting if you don’t want fruit-eating birds to take too many – but make sure your netting is wildlife safe so birds and mammals don't become entangled in it.
Edible plants offer waste which usually ends up on the compost heap (or composter). Not only will this offer a wonderful fertiliser and mulch for years to come, but it also acts as a haven for insects, worms and spiders – all essential for a well-balanced wildlife garden.