Congratulations on making it through seven months of a global pandemic! It’s safe to say that “normal” is a distant memory, and honestly, maybe that's not such a bad thing. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down in countless ways, but if we look on the bright side, perhaps it has also sparked your curiosity—or even boosted your confidence—in your green thumb. When the pandemic hit and stay-at-home orders were enforced worldwide, many of us found ourselves with a bit more time on our hands, leading to the pursuit of new quarantine hobbies. We might be biased, but we believe the best hobby to pick up is starting your very own indoor vegetable or herb garden. Keep reading for some tips on how to get started—and allow us to convince you why this is such a fantastic idea.
1. Indoor Gardening Enhances Your Space
If you’re spending more time at home, why not make it feel more like a sanctuary? Starting an indoor garden or simply adding some greenery to your space is a wonderful way to liven up your living environment. The presence of plants can ease tension and create a sense of peace. Plus, let’s be honest—your Instagram feed will look amazing with a little extra green in the background! 🌿
2. Growing Plants Indoors Gives You a Fulfilling Activity
In a year full of uncertainty, it’s crucial to find stability wherever you can. Planting a garden provides a sense of rhythm and predictability—when you plant a seed, you know it will grow into a seedling, then a flower, and finally, bear fruit. This process offers a grounding experience, giving you something tangible to nurture and depend on amidst the chaos.
3. Tending to Houseplants Gives You a Sense of Control
Especially when so much feels beyond your control.
In an article about the increase in plant ownership during the pandemic, a man shared how gardening gives him "something to do and something [he] feels [he] can have control over during a time when so many things are out of our control." We couldn’t agree more. Caring for plants, especially edible ones, offers a sense of purpose and something meaningful to focus on. As he further explains, "We’re getting the escape value and the chance to feel we’re doing something positive. We’re having positive control over our environment." This sentiment resonates with many of us who have turned to indoor gardening as a way to cultivate not just plants, but peace of mind.
4. Growing ‘Plant Babies’ Fosters Resilience and Self-Sufficiency
The surge in home gardening during the pandemic has contributed to a greater sense of empowerment and resilience. Growing your own food—even if it’s just a few herbs or vegetables—gives you a taste of self-sufficiency. Victory gardens made a comeback as food shortages became a reality, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to say, “I’m growing all the lettuce I need.” Providing for yourself and your family in this way is both powerful and rewarding.
5. Surrounding Yourself with Greenery Cultivates Community
There’s something special about sharing your homegrown bounty with others. During the pandemic, many of us have connected with neighbors through socially distant vegetable drop-offs and porch-side chats (New Yorkers, you know what we mean). The communal aspect of gardening—exchanging tips, sharing produce, and celebrating each other's successes—makes the experience even more fulfilling. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and that’s no small thing.
6. Indoor Plants Are Great for Your Mental Health
According to the Journal of Health Psychology, gardening is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Just 30 minutes of gardening has been shown to lower cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for our fight-or-flight response. This is particularly important for those of us working from home, surrounded by screens and tech that can take a toll on our mental health. So next time you’re tempted to binge-watch Netflix for an extra hour, grab your gardening tools instead and see how much better you feel!
So there you have it! If you weren’t convinced about the benefits of indoor gardening before, we hope we’ve swayed you. And don’t worry if it’s October—there’s still plenty you can plant in the fall. Check out our guide on what to plant for fall to get started!
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