Are you tired of being locked up, feeling stressed, unmotivated, or anxious due to the global pandemic and subsequent quarantine that’s been keeping us all at home?

Well, one expert recently suggested that a great solution is to get your hands in the dirt to garden.

Gardening expert John Stirland spoke to Euronews and suggested that anyone who is in need of some relaxation turn to nature, or more specifically, gardening, for the answer.

Finding new, productive, and healthy hobbies is a fantastic coping mechanism for anyone who is struggling right now.

“Just get in there!” Mr. Stirland told Euronews.

“If you’ve got a garden, just get out there and enjoy it because it’s therapeutic, and you’re out there with nature, and at this time of year as well, the birds are singing, they’re mating and everything like that, so it’s a fabulous time to start,” he said.

“Unfortunately, some people have not a lot of room, and that can cause problems. But you can grow some wonderful plants actually in the house.”

For those people who are apartment-bound without access to outdoor space where gardening is an option, a potential solution is to try growing herbs instead. They’re fairly easy to grow, don’t require a lot of space or maintenance, and they offer great payoff by instantly spicing up and embellishing dinner.

“If you’re very, very limited in your space, I would go for the herbs,” said Stirland. “Because you can transform a meal as well. Chives, beautiful chives, transforms an omelet in the morning that does, and you need hardly any room to actually grow it.”

Stirland’s top five herbs are:

“Chives – so useful and lovely blue flowers.

Rosemary – great with lamb and for flavoring roast potatoes.

Mint – all-time favorite for mint sauce and mint tea.

Sage – for partnering onion in stuffing.

Parsley – for white sauce with fish or gammon.”

There are many therapeutic benefits to gardening, including helping to reduce both anxiety and depression for individuals who do it. Studies have also revealed that spending time in nature has significant mental health benefits. While mental health complaints have spiked in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening may be a simple and soothing solution for anyone who is struggling right now.

We understand though if you’ve tried keeping plants and struggled to keep even the lowest maintenance cacti alive, but there’s always room for growth and improvement. The best approach is one of discovery, said Stirland.

Stirland has some more specific tips for people looking to give it a go.

“Try and get the basic information. With gardening, there’s a little bit of chemistry, there’s all sorts of things. Don’t try and grow too early.”

According to Stirland, the two most important requirements for successful planting are to have well-drained soil or compost and lots of sunshine to help bring out the aromatic qualities in the leaves.

South-facing walls are ideal for plants because they are usually dry and hot. Once the plant is already growing, all you have to do is water it regularly, and if it’s in a container, use a liquid feed as well.

Houseplants are a lovely project that can transform the feeling of your home environment and help to bring a little of therapeutic nature into your home while also improving your air quality.

Stirland even put together a list of his top five recommended house plants for you!

“Phalaenopsis – ‘moth orchid’ – ideal for totally shaded window sill, flowers last for months.

Sansevieria – ‘mother-in-law’s-tongue,’ indestructible and stately.

Streptocarpus – ‘cape primrose’ flower for months.

Chlorophytum – ‘spider plant’ variegated leaves, favourite with the kids.

Amaryllis – stunning bulb with giant flowers.”

John Stirland

Gardening expert

“It really is beautiful, just to be able to touch plants, hold them, feel the leaves, etcetera. It’s just fantastic.”

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Source: Euronews, Social Care Online