Climate Action Through Gardening

Gardening is one of the most powerful ways to take action against climate change. At Gardening Well, we believe that every garden—no matter how small—can contribute to a healthier planet. From reducing carbon emissions to supporting biodiversity, sustainable gardening is a practical and impactful form of climate action.

Why Gardening Matters for Climate Action

Gardening helps combat climate change in several ways:

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases
• Healthy soil stores carbon and improves air quality
• Growing food locally reduces reliance on carbon-intensive agriculture
• Native plants and trees support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

How We Take Climate Action in Our Garden

1. Planting Native Trees

One of the simplest ways to fight climate change is by planting trees. Our family has planted native Irish species such as oak, willow, hawthorn, and alder to create a thriving ecosystem. These trees absorb carbon, provide shelter for wildlife, and improve soil health.

In 2024, we worked with local volunteers to plant over 100 native trees in Stamullen as part of a community-led reforestation effort. This project was inspired by our own backyard, where we’ve seen firsthand how native trees attract birds, improve soil, and create a natural windbreak.

2. Reducing Waste and Composting

Food waste contributes to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Instead of sending scraps to landfill, we compost everything—from vegetable peelings to garden clippings. Our composting system enriches the soil and reduces waste.

One of our most successful composting experiments was led by Ciaran, who tested different composting methods to find the most effective way to break down organic matter. We shared the results on social media, showing how layering green and brown materials speeds up decomposition.

3. Growing Our Own Food

Industrial agriculture is a major contributor to climate change. By growing our own fruits and vegetables, we reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable food systems. Our family loves experimenting with succession planting to maximize harvests.

Sam recently shared a video on our social media demonstrating how we grow seasonal vegetables year-round using succession planting techniques. This method ensures a continuous food supply while reducing reliance on store-bought produce.

4. Avoiding Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers

Many synthetic fertilizers and pesticides contribute to soil degradation and water pollution. We use organic methods such as companion planting, natural pest deterrents, and homemade compost to keep our garden thriving without harmful chemicals.

Fiona has been leading efforts to create a pollinator-friendly garden, using companion planting to naturally deter pests. Her latest project involved planting marigolds alongside tomatoes to repel aphids—a technique we documented on our social media.

Climate Action Projects with Kids

Gardening is a great way to teach children about sustainability. Zack and Sam have been involved in several climate-positive projects, including:

• Planting native trees in our local community
• Creating a pollinator-friendly wildflower meadow
• Building a rainwater harvesting system
• Growing vegetables from saved seeds

One of Zack’s favorite projects was building a bug hotel using recycled materials. This simple structure provides shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs and solitary bees, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Get Involved

Want to take climate action through gardening? Start with small changes:

• Plant a native tree in your garden or neighborhood
• Reduce waste by composting food scraps
• Grow your own food to cut down on carbon emissions
• Support biodiversity by planting pollinator-friendly flowers

For more ideas, visit our Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips page.

Every garden can be a force for climate action—start yours today.