If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get your hands dirty, we’ve got just the project for you. It’s time to start your own cocktail garden. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Do I really have the time or the green thumb for this?” stick with us. A zero-waste cocktail garden is the perfect eco-friendly addition to your backyard or even your balcony, and it’s easier than you think.
Not only does it help reduce your environmental footprint (hello, zero-waste!), but it also ups your cocktail game with fresh, homegrown ingredients. And with Zero-Waste Week upon us - a global movement to cut down on waste and promote sustainability - there’s no better time to get started.
Why a Zero-Waste Cocktail Garden?
Picture this for instance - you’re hosting friends, and instead of reaching for a sad, wilted herb from the fridge, you walk over to your own lucsious cocktail garden. You snip some fresh mint, basil, or rosemary and drop it right into the drink you’re mixing. That's a pretty good conversation starter, right?
But more than just the cool factor, a zero-waste cocktail garden helps reduce food waste. You won’t need to buy herbs, fruit, or other garnishes wrapped in plastic. You can grow only what you need, and any scraps can be composted. Plus, growing your own ingredients means no carbon emissions from transporting produce to your local store, and you can go organic without forking out a fortune.
Start Small and Keep it Simple
Let’s be real - nobody wants a complicated setup that requires a botany degree. Start small, and you can always expand as you go. Here are a few easy-growing plants that thrive in an Aussie conditions and are perfect for cocktails:
- Mint: The go-to herb for a mojito or a refreshing mint julep. Mint is super easy to grow, but it spreads like crazy, so give it its own pot.
- Basil: Sweet basil is perfect for a gin basil smash or a twist on your classic margarita. It loves sunshine, so keep it in a sunny spot.
- Rosemary: This herb adds a savoury kick to your cocktails (think rosemary gin fizz), and it’s low-maintenance. Just don’t overwater it.
- Lemon verbena: Ideal for teas and cocktails like a lemon verbena martini. It’s a great alternative to lemons, which you might not have space to grow.
- Lavender: Not just for candle scents - lavender is a lovely floral addition to drinks like lavender-infused gin or lemonade. Just make sure it’s a variety safe for consumption.
Waste Nothing: Make it a Closed-Loop System
The zero-waste part doesn’t stop with your plants. Once you’ve got your cocktail garden up and running, think about how you can make the whole process as sustainable as possible. For starters, compost any food waste (including kitchen scraps and spent herbs) to fertilise your garden. It’s nature’s way of recycling, and your plants will love you for it.
Watering? Don’t bother with a hose every day. Invest in a rainwater barrel or set up a simple system to collect water from your roof or balcony. Even grey water (like from washing veggies, rice, grains) can be reused for non-edible plants.
As for containers, skip the large plastic pots. Attempt to use what's on hand: Upcycle old tins, crates, or ceramic bowls you’ve got lying around. And if you've got a stack of old takeout containers stacking up in the back of your kitchen - they would too be perfect to grow smaller garnish plants. If you want to be really on-trend, plant your herbs in a repurposed whiskey barrel - it’ll give your garden a rustic, distillery-inspired vibe that pairs perfectly with artisan cocktails.
Growing Tips for the (Lazy) Eco-Warrior
You don’t have to be a master gardener to keep a cocktail garden alive. In fact, here are a few tricks to help your plants thrive without too much effort:
- Companion planting: Some plants grow better together. For instance, basil loves tomatoes, while mint and rosemary are best kept apart. Look up companion planting guides to maximise your garden’s health without chemicals.
- Water smart, not hard: Overwatering is a common newbie mistake. Most herbs (especially Mediterranean ones like rosemary and thyme) prefer dry conditions, so make sure the soil is well-draining, and water sparingly.
- Mulch it up: A good mulch layer will keep your soil moist, reduce the need for watering, and prevent weeds. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to use up garden clippings.
Celebrate Zero-Waste Week in Style
As Zero-Waste Week reminds us, cutting down on waste isn’t just about reducing plastic - it’s about rethinking how we use resources in every part of our lives. Your cocktail garden is one small, fun, and productive way to join the movement. And honestly, who doesn’t want to feel good about sipping a spritz made with ingredients grown sustainably in your own backyard?
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and start planting? Your eco-conscious cocktail game awaits.
Final Tip: Once you’ve grown your herbs and garnishes, don’t forget to share your creations with friends. Nothing says sustainability like bringing people together over drinks that are as green as they are delicious.
Now, get out there and make it happen. Your zero-waste cocktail garden won’t plant itself.
