Are you ready to roll those sleeves up and give gardening a go? Whether you have a garden, or yard or even a little plot, springtime provides the perfect conditions to start growing your own greens and flowers.
Birds have started to chirp throughout the day, and all of nature’s creatures are starting to stir, lighter evenings and warmer days with sunshine occasionally beaming, all sounding the departure of the winter and the arrival of springtime.
Springtime is natures awakening and blooming time, from windowsill herbs and flowers, pots of peas and tomato plants in a yard, outdoor wildlife havens, they are all gradually awakening, providing you with the perfect opportunity to start your own little green finger project.
Gardens don’t just brighten up your home, they can also be a haven for all sorts of creepy crawlies and wildlife, from bees, to birds, hedgehogs and sometimes the occasional fox visit, it can be a host to a whole different little world some of which is not always visible to the naked eye. From flowers and shrubbery to fruits, trees and veggies they all play a crucial role benefiting nature and your mental and physical health. Your garden can be your own little haven and at home “farm” where you can help contribute towards protecting the environment and providing with nourishing fruit and vegetables your daily life.
Benefits of Gardening
Have you thought of using your garden in alternative ways to support nurturing nature and wildlife, or growing your own veg and fruit? Whether you’re new to this or an avid green finger expert.
Gardening comes with several benefits to both your mental and physical health but also nature itself. By choosing to start your own little patch of veggies and fruit, whether potted or planted in your garden or yard, you can have your own on hand organic plot that you can grab anything from at any time while whipping up some homemade, full of nutrients, delicious meals.
For example, you could grow tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, herbs, spices, and many more which can save you a trip to the shops and a good few pounds on your shopping list. It also is a relaxing hobby that you can take up to reduce stress and spend some time in nature. Taking up a hobby, especially in nature, takes your mind off the hustle and bustle of life and is beneficial to your mental and physical health.
Garden Planning: Indoors
Gardening does not have to be a seasonal thing (although frost free weather helps), nor does it mean you can’t try if you have a small concreate yard or no outside space, there are many options for indoor gardening and greenhouse that you can take inspiration from to start your own green thumb journey.
You could explore the option of gardening in your home. Small plants can be grown in your kitchen window over the colder months or if you do not have an outdoor space, and some could be transferred to an outside spot during the spring and summer.
Here are a few plants you can consider for your windowsill garden:
- Herbs: they are a great start to your garden as they grow well in small spaces and can be a perfect addition to almost any meal you prepare and are always handy to have within reach.
- Leafy Greens: Greens like spinach and loose lettuce are easy to grow, especially if you have less sunlight in your kitchen. They also can be planted in a shallower container which can make things easier for storage.
- Legumes: Beans and peas are examples of legumes that are lower maintenance and are a good addition to your window-sill garden. As they grow in a compact bush form, this can also make a warming house plant to add to your kitchen décor.
An article by MasterClass shares more information about how to start a windowsill garden and what plants are best for this. These plants can be very useful for your cooking and provide an added benefit to having most ingredients to hand. It also can save you money in the long run as you can reduce the number of items on your shopping list and your trips to the store.
Garden Planning: Outside
March is the perfect time to start planning out your green haven. It is only the beginning of the better weather so there is plenty time to sit back and think about what you want to do, plan, and reorganise your space. Perhaps if you have a blank canvas, you will be thinking about where the raised beds will be, or if you will fit in a small pond, or if your carrots and potatoes will go at the back left or front right? At the end of the day there is lots to plan and discuss so now is the time to think.
Starting in March gives you plenty of time to shop for building materials, garden accessories and seeds, and monitoring the sunlight can help you get a good idea of what areas of your garden get the best amount of sunlight.
Gardening is also a skill, so if you are new to the hobby and have lots to learn, now is the time to start to research, watch videos, maybe even do some courses and you will end up being a green finger a pro before you know it.
Sustainable Gardening
Sustainable gardening is not as labour or resource intensive as some may think. There are many small tips and tricks you can use to improve the sustainability of your garden, and even the look and feel of it too.
Watering your plants: In the UK we do have quite a few rainy days, at least the plants get a good watering… However, during drier spells, that rainwater can be put to good use. Collecting rainwater can prove helpful for rehydrating your plants and reduces the amount of water waste you produce in your home and save you a few extra pounds.
Companion planting: Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves putting certain plants together that help each other thrive. This method can act as a natural repellent to harmful insects, improve nutrient absorption, attract more pollinators such as bees and butterflies and can save space when you pair plants with different growth habits. There are quite a few different plants that grow well together such as tomatoes and basil, or carrots and onions, even cabbage and dill. The Wildlife trust shares more about companion planting and how to do it.
Gardening is more than just a hobby, it is a powerful way to support your well-being while making a positive impact on the environment. Whether you start with a small windowsill garden or plan out an outdoor space for spring into the summer, every step towards growing your own food helps reduce waste, protect biodiversity, and even save money.
So, what will your first plant be? Will you start with fresh herbs for your kitchen, or plan a vegetable patch for the warmer months?
We would love to hear from you.
Share your stories, experiences and photos of your newly planted garden, your favourite plants or flowers, and how you’re helping protect our environment in County Durham. Whether it’s something you do personally, a community project you may be involved in, a business change or action, or even a great photo of nature. We want to celebrate and share your efforts and views.
Send us your stories or photos (with a short explanation) by emailing climatecountydurham@durham.gov.uk or by filling in our “Get in Touch form” and help inspire others across our beautiful county to take action.
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