The Environment & Biosecurity

Here at How Green, we take the environment and sustainability very seriously. Our plants help enhance the environment in visible and measurable ways.

Every project we deliver contributes to biodiversity, carbon capture and improved air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Landscapes reduce heat build-up, improve drainage and create living ecosystems.

However, we recognise that landscaping and horticulture, when poorly managed, can also have environmental costs. Materials, transport, water use and chemical treatments all carry impact if not controlled properly.

We believe environmental responsibility is not an add-on. It is a professional obligation.

As a forward-thinking business, we are actively reducing our environmental footprint while improving the ecological value of the spaces we create

Water

Water security is becoming one of the most critical environmental challenges in the UK. Rising temperatures and longer, drier summers demand responsible management.

We actively reduce mains water use by harvesting rainwater from greenhouse roofs into holding tanks. This captured water is then reused across our nursery.

Our bark topping machine enables all stock to receive a new state-of the art bark mulch layer. Fibagro Advance Pot Topper FT uses Fusion technology to suppress weeds, retain moisture and boost nursery efficiency. This reduces irrigation demand while strengthening plant health.

Our 2-litre plant range is now grown in square-round pots. By using a slightly different shaped pot this allows a 20% saving in space on our delivery trollies and stock beds. This in turn leads to efficiencies in transport and water saving.

We are continuing our investment in 2026 in upgrading irrigation systems and more water holding tanks.

Peat-Free

Peat extraction damages fragile ecosystems and releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Our plants are grown using sustainable compost alternatives that protect natural peatlands and reduce long-term environmental damage.

We are committed to growing-on in peat-free compost. We have been using ICL Levington Advance Sustain for several years resulting in fantastic results. Plant quality is superb, nutrient take-up super-efficient and losses minimal.

Our growing media is predominantly made up of sustainably sourced wood fibre from UK mills. Currently there is a 20% coir content (has to be shipped from Sri Lanka) – we are looking to become 100% wood fibre based very soon.

Pots & Plastics

Plastics are widely used throughout the horticultural trade and here at How Green, we are doing everything to mitigate our plastic waste.

We do not use single-use plastics and only use recycled and recyclable pots and trays.

We have recently invested in a plastic baling machine, so customers are encouraged to return used pot and trays, which are then recycled within the UK and remanufactured into new pots. Simply return plastics received from us to our conveniently placed returns bin at the nursery entrance and we’ll do the rest!

We no longer use shrink-wrap-plastic for our delivery trollies. We use bespoke made durable trolley jackets that can be used time and time again.

We have been recently trialling plastic-free pots using fully biodegradable bamboo resin alternatives – watch this space!

Vehicles

Transport emissions form a significant part of any landscaping operation.

We actively reduce our carbon footprint by consolidating deliveries and grouping orders by geographic region to minimise unnecessary mileage.

Our location, five minutes from a mainline station, allows customers to visit without reliance on private vehicles. We are happy to collect and return visitors from the station, supporting lower-emission travel.

Efficiency in logistics reduces cost, congestion and carbon.

Chemicals & Spraying

Chemical reduction is a priority. Wherever possible, we adopt biological controls and integrated pest management systems. We adopt a nematode application programme for all our plants to protect against Vine Weevil larvae.

Our philosophy is prevention before cure.

Strong husbandry, correct watering techniques and disciplined nursery management create healthier plants that require fewer chemical interventions.

New for 2026, we will be adopting a holistic style of growing. Holistic Growing is our natural approach to producing strong, resilient plants.

Instead of relying on synthetic chemicals and artificial fertilisers, our production methods work with nature. Plants are strengthened from the root up by supporting healthy soil biology, encouraging robust root systems and using organic growing materials.

The result is healthier plants, grown responsibly, with long-term strength built in from the start.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

We are proud to operate in Kent, often described as the Garden of England, with a rich and diverse ecosystem.

The plant varieties we grow actively support pollinators, birds and beneficial insects.

We monitor and record wildlife visitors across our nursery and share these insights to demonstrate the living impact of responsible horticulture.