15 key green home and garden jobs to do this month

With the warmer weather, July is an important month for green projects in both the home and the garden.

Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox gives 15 key jobs to look at.

IN THE HOME

• Mind the gap: Ensure the roof insulation is evenly spread and not compressed, as squashed insulation loses its effectiveness. Check that it covers the entire floor without gaps.
• Beware rising damp: July is a good time to check for roof leaks or condensation issues that occurred during winter. Damp, mouldy, or wet insulation must be replaced as it loses its thermal efficiency and can cause structural damage.
• Cool move: Check that the insulation is not blocking the eaves (where the roof meets the walls) to ensure air can flow through the loft, which helps keep the house cooler.
• Down the hatch: Inspect the loft hatch for draughts and ensure it is properly insulated and sealed.
• Watch out for pests: Look for signs of rodents or birds that may have damaged or nested in the insulation.
• Switch on to LEDs: Replace any remaining halogen or incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs to reduce electricity usage, which can save roughly £35 a year on bills.
• Take the air: Open windows for natural ventilation instead of relying on air conditioning.
• Come clean: Wash windows inside and out to maximize natural light and improve indoor air quality.
• Put a seal on it: Check window and door seals and use eco-friendly caulk to draught-proof your home, saving energy in both winter and summer.

IN THE GARDEN

• Don’t waste it: Set up a new compost bin or turn the existing one to manage garden waste (like grass clippings and weeds) into valuable soil nutrients.
• No ifs and butts: Set up water butts to collect rainwater from downpipes. Tap water has a higher carbon footprint and is less ideal for plants than rainwater.
• Water wisely: Water early in the morning or late evening to minimise evaporation, focusing on the roots rather than leaves.
• Put them to bed: Apply a 2-inch layer of compost, bark chips, or well-rotted manure around plants in beds and borders to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and cool roots.
• Clean up naturally: Use eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredients like white vinegar (for cleaning glass/surfaces) and baking soda (for scrubbing/deodorizing) to avoid harsh chemicals.
• Go for growth: Stake tall perennials like delphiniums and lilies to protect them from strong summer winds and rain.

This article raises some important questions, said Ron. Do you check the insulation in your loft in the summer months as many of our readers do? What ideas are you doing to make your home and garden more environmentally friendly? Should the Government be doing more to encourage green project? Send your views to Ron Fox at [email protected]

If you want more advice about green energy, contact Ron, of Noreus Ltd, on 0845 474 6641.

Caption: Dig in now and do those green jobs in the garden and the home now during the good weather.

Picture: John Butterworth