THE DIY as THE gardening For a long time, these activities remained essential. Repairing roofs and growing food were often a priority. These manual activities are now experiencing a resurgence in interest. They are practiced as leisure activities, on days off...
The French seem to appreciate the authenticity of "homemade" projects, the freedom of creativity that this new lifestyle habit offers, and the savings it offers. Often, choosing to do it yourself goes hand in hand with a commitment to respecting the environment. The ecological craze is sparking genuine vocations for DIY and gardening.
Donning the perfect DIY overalls or the gardener's apron is exciting more and more people, curious to discover ancestral techniques and eager to share useful know-how. The evolution of tools and equipment has made it easier for city dwellers to take on DIY and gardening projects. Let's take a closer look at these new practices.
(H2) DIY and gardening at home, the new passion of the French
It's official: a one in three French people try gardening even though the population is predominantly urban! City dwellers cultivate their vegetable gardens on the city's rooftops. They organize their schedules to take turns tending shared gardens. They plant flowers on their balconies or create a shaded terrace to enjoy a natural setting in their environment. Major retailers offer DIY classes to learn how to insulate an additional room, lay wooden flooring, or install a pergola in your garden.
Even the uninitiated can tackle a major project to expand or maintain their home themselves. The proliferation of videos explaining how to build a DIY garden furniture set from wooden pallets or renovate a bathroom is a testament to this new trend. Numerous tutorials are posted online to help you successfully make or assemble furniture yourself. Internet users share DIY and gardening tips.
These new hobbies are associated with a search for authenticity and quality of life. In addition to the pride of creating a vegetable patch or shared garden, there's also the pride of involving children to introduce them to ecology from a young age. These initiatives also signal the great comeback of old varieties, with a craze for seeds essential to biodiversity.
Also discover: the organic gardener’s blog.
H2 The advantages of DIY and gardening in Do It Yourself mode
Doing DIY or gardening yourself has several advantages. The budget is capped by you and limited to the purchase of materials. The tools are used for various jobs and quickly pay for themselves. The finishing touches are your work, the deadlines your own. In the garden, you reap the rewards of your labor and share them with your loved ones. The pleasure of gardening is one of the new priorities.
You save money without the added cost of middlemen and you can be sure of the quality of the products you consume. Gardening at home allows you to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Far from the pressure surrounding soil profitability, you can implement permaculture. A compost bin and a water collector protect nature and its resources. Installing a green wall helps you go green every day. This hobby can be practiced without motorized machinery or mechanical processes.
A hand-held wooden scythe and a pitchfork limit the use of lawnmowers and the fuel required to operate them. Some people are doing their best to recreate a sustainable ecosystem at home. They put waterers and feeders in their gardens to welcome birds and, why not, a hedgehog. Keeping chickens is becoming more common in many households: they eat insects, regulate their proliferation, and provide fresh eggs.
All the positive aspects of rural life are updated and adapted to the urban lifestyle. The whole family participates in activities. Women have their own protective clothing to enjoy gardening and DIY in comfort. You'll also find mini garden tools for children. Today's DIY and gardening are evolving with the expectations of an increasingly eco-friendly society.
H2 Equipment adapted to new DIY and gardening practices
The urban gardener is rediscovering simple practices that are compatible with respect for the environment. Using wooden tools limits the ecological footprint. Made with respect for French craftsmanship, they remain robust over the long term. They are not imported and do not travel across the globe. The modern gardener's tools are designed to facilitate movements and handling.
Wheeled scarifiers can be pushed effortlessly. Long wooden handles eliminate the need to bend over. Hanging pots allow you to garden without back pain. Standing planters can be installed on balconies and around patios. It's now possible to grow your own vegetables in a small space, even on a concrete floor, without getting dirty. Gardening overalls and potting gloves, or gloves designed for thorny plants, make the experience more enjoyable. You can enjoy this "nature" moment without feeling like you're devoting all your available time to it.
DIY equipment is also evolving. It complies with current safety standards. Electrical connections can be made outdoors without risk. LED lights consume less energy but provide sufficient light. They guarantee a pleasant atmosphere on the patio and reliable lighting for repair work. To limit the risk of injury, DIY enthusiasts use handling or cut-resistant gloves like professionals.
The DIY or home gardening trend isn't just a fad. It represents a deep commitment without sacrificing the associated pleasures. At Manufrance, we understand the challenges of these new practices and offer a selection of essential accessories.