Now that we have all been in self-isolation for what feels like a thousand years, we might be starting to feel like we are running out of things to do. We’ve played 200 hours of Animal Crossing, baked thousands of loaves of sourdough bread, and watched every TV show and movie Netflix has to offer.

So, now what?

Well, may we suggest the perfect quarantine hobby hiding right underneath your nose: Gardening!

It is completely normal if this worldwide pandemic is starting to make you feel sad and weird, which is exactly why now is the time to develop a green thumb — is the perfect way to start feeling that good energy again. It will feel great to take care of something, watch something grow, and of course, get outside for some fresh air.

John Stirland, a gardening expert, recently told Euro News that people should absolutely get into the activity, especially if they are looking to relax.

“Just get in there!” He said. “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.”

“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,” he continued.

If you are stuck in a small apartment you may not be able to have a full garden, however, there is a wonderful solution: Herbs!

Herbs don’t require a ton of space, they are easy to grow, and they have the instant pay off of spicing up your meals so it feels totally worth it.

“If you’re very, very limited in your space, I would go for the herbs,” Stirland said. “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.”

You can also grow mint which is great to put in your water, cilantro which goes great with tacos, or even basil to bring your next batch of spaghetti to the next level.

Stirland even shared his top favorite herbs to grow:

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.

Not only is gardening great for your upcoming meals and getting fresh air, but it is also said to reduce stress and anxiety, which we certainly all need right now. It has therapeutic benefits and has even been shown to reduce depression.

There has been some declining mental health due to Covid-19, which is why now could be more important to garden than ever!

“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,” Stirland said before going on to share some more top tips for beginners.

Stirland also revealed that the two main things you need for success are well-drained soil and compost and lots of sunshine. Also, the base of a south-facing wall is usually ideal as it is usually dry and hot.

As Stirland said, just get to it!

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Source: Euro News