A STUDY of 2,000 garden owners found a quarter of people from the South West haven’t made any changes to their garden in the past five years to make it sustainable, while in comparison 95% of people have done for the inside of their home.

Less than a third of people from the South West would like to see greener products for gardeners more widely available, while less than a quarter of people admitted they have no idea how to make their outdoor space more eco-friendly.

Sarah Dixon, from Hozelock which commissioned the study, said: “Sustainability is becoming increasingly important and while we often hear about the different ways to make changes in the home, such as swapping appliances or fitting a smart meter, the outdoors is often overlooked. It’s interesting to see how the people in the South West would like to be – and are trying to be – more sustainable in their garden.

“There are many different ways gardens can be made greener, such as composting, adding pollinating flowers and plants, such as crocuses or lavender, growing your own fruit and veg and reducing the use of chemicals.

“Each small change can make a big difference and with spring and summer upon us there’s no better time to take up new habits outside.”

The study also found more than a fifth of people are not aware if they are harming their garden with the products they use, but many admit to still using weed killer (33%), insect repellent (22%) and peat compost (13%).

Less than 10 per cent of people from the South West admitted to washing excess weed killer down the drain, while almost a fifth of people have been known to light a bonfire in their garden.

In the past five years, in order to be more sustainable, over a third of respondents from the South West have planted pollinating flowers and similarly, over a third of people installed a guttering or water butt to collect rainwater.

Over half of people questioned agreed there isn’t enough information and tips on how to compost and only 36% currently do this as a way of getting rid of garden waste. A further 10% from the South West feel ‘guilty’ about the amount of garden waste they send to landfill.

Those surveyed via OnePoll feel a sustainable garden would typically feature water butts (66%, veg and fruit patches (59%) and composters (55%)

When it comes to outdoor space, two thirds of people admitted they prioritise how easy it is to maintain, while 42% care about how appealing it is for wildlife and almost a third of respondents consider how environmentally friendly it is.

Changes garden owners in the South West would like to make which they are yet to include growing their own fruit and veg (24%), composting their own waste (22%) and plant more trees (18%).

TV shows are where over 25% get the most information from about how to live sustainably, followed by social media (22%) and magazines (17%).

Sarah added: “Composting is an effective way to be more sustainable in the garden, but it is often considered to be complex and time consuming, however there are now products available which can simplify the process. “