Go green-fingered to nurture your mental health!
Did you know that gardening is good for your well-being, as well as your physical health? It’s a great way be mindful and can also help to:
- Improve concentration
- Increase creativity
- Boost your happiness
- Beat stress
The good thing about gardening is that anyone can do it – it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or even if you don’t have a garden of your own. No garden? No problem! Try one of our simple, green-fingered activities today to get started….
Happy Herbs
Try your hand at planting a herb garden using old tin cans and grow them in a sunny spot on your windowsill:
- Remove the labels from old tin cans and wash them thoroughly (watch out for sharp edges!). You can give the tins a lick of paint if you want.
- Pop a layer of pebbles at the bottom of each can for drainage.
- Fill the tins with potting soil.
- Plant your chosen herbs in each tin and give your new friends a drink of water.
TOP TIP – You can pick up herb seeds fairly cheap from most garden centres and online.
Build A Bee Garden
Fill a pot with bee-friendly flowers for your balcony or windowsill or create a space in your garden for our pollen pals. Choose the best flowers for bees from the list below and plant them to create a pollen palace fit for a queen (bee)!
Flowers for bees:
- Bluebells
- Primrose
- Crocus
- Lavender
- Honeysuckle
- Clematis
Find more bee-friendly flowers here.
TOP TIP – You can buy a packet of bee-friendly seeds to grow a selection of wildflowers AND donate to charity at the same time. Click here to buy a packet of seeds from Oxfam for just £2.99.
Happy Houseplants
If outdoor gardening isn’t an option for you, why not give houseplants a go? Indoor plants can reduce your stress levels and improve your home environment. Plus, they’re lovely to look at! Take your pick from these easy-to-keep plants and enjoy watching your leafy friend grow and flourish:
- Snake plant
- Spider plant
- Peace lily
- Kentia palm
- Crocus Chinese money plant
- Maidenhair fern
TOP TIP – Have a think about where you want to place your new houseplant and ask your local garden centre for advice on how to best look after it.
Grow Your Gardening Skills!
Keen to expand your skills and learn more about gardening? You can:
- Volunteer at a local community garden. A great way to learn new skills and meet new people!
- Offer to help a neighbour or family member in their garden.
- Read online tips and advice to plan what to plant in your own garden if you have one. Gardeners’ World have lots of great tips for beginners here.
For more ideas and gardening inspiration this National Growing For Wellbeing Week click here.
