It’s a beautiful sunny morning and your home is filled with sunlight and fresh air. As your first morning coffee is slowly brewing, you’re watering your plants and feeding your pet. Your window sill is lush with greenery and your heart is full.
Gardening, whether inside your home or in your outdoor garden, can help you find joy and a sense of purpose in challenging times. It’s a natural and affordable activity that won’t take up too much of your time.
Let’s talk about how this simple hobby can make you calmer and happier and how you can start a small garden as a beginner.
The Benefits of Gardening for Your Mental Health
Gardening is good for the soul on an emotional, spiritual, and wellness level. 🌿
The latest research confirms its many benefits for your mental and emotional health. Whether you’re propagating seeds or growing kitchen herbs on your window, taking care of another living organism is soothing and comforting.
Tending to your plants, making sure they have enough sun and water, and that they’re growing healthy is one of the best ways to take a break and give yourself purpose.
Gardening may also help with depression, anxiety, and stress relief, thus contributing to a more fulfilled day and life. It’s almost like spending time in nature but in a place you can always access and connect to without even leaving your home.
How To Start a Garden No Matter Where You Are
If you live in an urban area, you can find community or roof gardens and become a member. You can get your own plant plot or patch to tend to year-round. You can also start a mini-garden in your own home or balcony and cultivate smaller plants such as herbs, cherry tomatoes, lemons, beans, and flowers.
If you live in a suburban or rural area and have unused land, you can plan a majestic garden from scratch. The planting possibilities are endless — you can plant anything from trees, shrubs, and flowers to fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
These are the basic tools and supplies you need to start a new garden from scratch:
- Gardening tools (gloves, trowel, shears, hand rake, hand pruner)
- Pots in different shapes and sizes
- Compost and fertilizer
- Quality seeds
- Water and watering can
Start with simpler plants to get the feel of things first and learn the ropes of gardening before you move on with more demanding plants.
Starter Seeds: What to Plant First
Make a plan for the seeds you want to sow so you can plan your garden layout better and have enough space for all the plants. Some plants may grow bigger than others and may interfere with the plants right next to them so planning is essential.
Here are some of the best starter seeds for your first garden patch:
Herbs:Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Cilantro, Parsley, Mint, Dill, Oregano.
Fruits:Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Goji Berries, Figs, Grapes.
Vegetables:Radishes, Carrots, Green Beans, Cucumbers, Kale, Chard, Shallots.
Flowers:Begonia, Daffodil, Zinnia, Cosmos, Succulents, Calendula, Lavender.
Creating a home garden?Here are10 plants for productivity and positivity you can start cultivating as a beginner gardener.
Plant Your Way to Purpose and Happiness
You don’t need a green thumb to start your own garden from scratch no matter where you live. Whether you’re growing herbs in your backyard or your window sill, gardening is good for your soul and can give you a sense of purpose and joy.
Ready to harvest your first bunch of herbs? These delicious herb-infused coffee recipes are perfect for using your healthy herbs for a great start to your day!
