Responsible gardening
How to be a responsible home gardener
In Europe, gardening is a passion. We take pride in creating balconies full of vibrant flowers, nurturing our vegetable gardens, and enhancing our homes with lawns, hedges and trees.
A healthy, sustainable garden starts with using local plant species, reducing our reliance on pesticides, and keeping harmful pests at bay. As every gardener knows, plant pests, when not detected quickly, can turn months of love and care into withered leaves and lost blooms.
While common garden pests can be heartbreaking, invasive pests from outside the EU can be catastrophic. These non-native species threaten not just your garden, but also our food security, economy, and natural environment.
Let’s nip that in the bud!
Can I see your ID?
Did you know that plants, shrubs, seeds, and cuttings that travel across and are traded within the EU must carry a plant passport?
This official verification shows that the plant is free from harmful pests and diseases. It also includes the country of origin and a barcode or hologram for traceability.
So before adding that new plant to your garden, check it has a plant passport, which is usually displayed on the tag or the planter itself.
Shopping online? Buy local.
The internet offers a global window to sourcing plants from outside the EU. But before hitting the ‘buy’ button, responsible gardeners need to know that all plant goods that enter the EU must have a phytosanitary certificate.
The national plant protection authorities of countries outside the EU are trusted with issuing phytosanitary certificates, which proves that the goods are pest-free and fit for export. Phytosanitary certificates are inspected at customs points, but there are less checks and balances in internet trade.
The best advice? Even when online, shop from respected EU traders for beautiful, healthy plants that will thrive in our climatic conditions.
Which plant is that?
To help reduce the risk of foreign plant pests attacking our gardens, parks and forests, the EU has created a provisional list of high-risk plant imports.
Spread the Word, Not the Pests
Starting a home garden is a magical journey that often lasts a lifetime. And gardeners love to share tips through forums, community groups, or social media.
That makes you a powerful ambassador for plant health!
- Watch and share #PlantHealth4Life interviews and campaign videos
- Download and post our campaign materials to your social channels
- Use the hashtag #PlantHealth4Life to join the movement
Let’s keep EU gardens thriving together.
