As the world is still fighting against an invisible enemy that has imposed social distancing, gardening is a great way to relax and regenerate during these stressful times.
Why You Should Start Gardening
If you don’t think gardening is your thing, here are a few of its benefits that might change your mind.
Gardening lowers stress levels
Studies have shown that gardening improves mood and decreases the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Lowered stress levels don’t only make us more relaxed, it strengthens our immune system and boosts our productivity.
It boosts the immune system
Although gardening isn’t a ‘clean’ activity, it is actually healthy. The dirt that gets stuck beneath your fingernails contains a friendly bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae which alleviates symptoms of psoriasis, allergies, asthma and soothes anxiety.
You don’t even need a yard
There are so many beautiful, beneficial and low maintenance indoor plants that can help you bring nature into your own home and enrich your everyday life.
It’s good for mood and mind
Gardening reduces risk of dementia and it is therapeutic. It can be tailored to one’s personal preferences as you get to design your own garden and enjoy the scents and the visual aesthetic appeal. Besides feeling good while doing it, once the flowers have bloomed and the fruits have been harvested, the fact that you created all that results in an unmatched feeling of euphoria.
You get to grow your own food
There are the nutritional benefits as it makes sense for a gardener to reap what he or she sows. As the end result, you get to eat a healthier diet as you will consume more fruits and vegetables, you get a steady supply of food and get to save money due to less trips to the grocery store.
It’s benefits your physical health
While you won’t be running a marathon, gardening can be viewed as a moderate form of exercise. Digging, raking, kneeling, and lifting equipment repetitively increase blood flow and heart rate while also working the muscles and increasing range of motion. You get to build your hand strength and get some sunshine vitamin along the way that is primarily acquired through exposure to sunlight. The importance of vitamin D cannot be overemphasized as it is instrumental in keeping illness at bay.
It will increase the value of your home and save you money
It’s no secret that curb appeal adds 10% to a home’s value and landscaping plays a big part in that. Moreover, upgrading the exterior of your home with garden can help you save money, from having to buy less groceries due to growing them yourself to a lower
Duke Energy bill if you position plants strategically to provide a shade.
Gardening Tricks and Tips
Don’t worry if you never gardened before as your dream-come-true garden is just a few simple tips away.
Location, location, location
Like in real-estate, location is key. If your garden is out of sight, it will be out of mind so it cannot be placed in an ‘invisible’ corner deep in the shade but somewhere where you will get to look at it daily – and enjoy the view.
Sunshine is key
When you are choosing a spot in your yard, choose one that that has six hours of sunshine at the very least as many vegetables, fruits and herbs need at least that to survive and thrive.
Make a good base
Start on the right foot by investing in quality soil that is nutrient rich and well drained.
Choose the right plants
Your plants need to match your growing conditions. The safest bet is to get native plants that are accustomed to the climate. Obviously, sun-loving plants should be placed in a sunny spot.
Take care of your plants
Make sure your plants are getting enough water but without overwatering them. You should also treat them with super food by giving them regular boosts of high-quality nutrition.
Takeaway – There is a deeper meaning in gardening that can be described through a beautiful quote from “A Good Year” goes: “Once you find something good, you need to take care of it. You need to let it grow.” This pastime activity teaches us to care of all the beautiful things that life gifted us with. By tending to our “garden” and creating our little oasis of calm, beauty and tranquility, we are actually making the world a bit better, or if anything, prettier.