You can grow a garden anywhere!

Growing even a small garden wherever you are can add a multitude of health benefits. Getting outdoors is good for your physical and mental health, even if it is on a balcony or rooftop. It helps clear the lungs, improves digestion, increases immune response, and increases oxygen in the blood. Did you have any clue that gardening has so many benefits? I have been gardening since childhood and the way I feel after playing in my garden gives me such a boost.

When I started gardening in my adulthood I started with indoor plants. I then started doing container planting on the balcony at my first apartment. Now I have a raised garden bed garden in my back yard and many plants in my office at work. I start my seedlings in my office at work and bring them home at the appropriate time to move them to my garden.

Utilize the space you have no matter where you are. There are also great ways to start gardening at very minimal costs. Save all those containers from foods such as egg cartons, soup cans, milk jugs, sour cream containers, and so on. You can also use any other containers that you may have from your household products.

After you have all your containers saved up and the list of plants you want to grow choose the right soil for those plants as each plant needs different nutrients just like humans. Research the best soil mixture for that plant and use it. You can also companion plants to utilize all the containers producing a better yield as those plants will work together and grow larger and packed full of more nutrients.

Make sure all your containers have proper drainage, just poke or drill holes in the bottom of those containers to ensure that they do not get oversoaked and rot. The use of containers also helps to get them in the best spot for sun exposure and the ability to move them around where needed creates better flexibility for the plants to grow properly.

You can grow produce and flowers to have a beautiful array of colors in your space and locally grown produce. Herbs are a great way to start as they can grow indoors and out. This enables you to have fresh herbs all year long. Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, mint, and parsley are great choices to start an herb garden. Plus once the oregano, rosemary, mint, and thyme get too big for your containers if you have the space outside you can plant them and they will come back year after year. I would suggest using a raised bed as they will continue to spread and take over if planted directly in the ground.

When starting with seeds a great way to get that stockpile Is to save the seeds from the organic produce you have purchased. Rinse them off thoroughly and lay them out to dry on a sheet pan. Store in paper bags or glass jars and keep in a cool place. 32*- 41* is the ideal temperature aka a root cellar or fridge.

Other produce you can regrow from your organic supply is fennel, scallions, leeks, garlic, cabbage, Bok choy, celery, romaine lettuce, sweet potatoes, ginger, and onions depending on your climate. Simply place those cut off with the roots in a container with soil or a jar filled with water for the roots to drink. If you use water remember to refresh that water every couple of days.

Companion planting is another great way to get better produce and repel those nasty pests. The nutrients each plant expel, and release can feed their companion and vice versa. It also keeps all those weeds down since there is minimal space for those weeds to even grow. Basil and tomatoes grow great together you can also add in some garlic and scallions to have a beautiful planter filled with produce. If you have the space a couple of sunflowers will provide support for cucumbers and pole beans while also providing the shade they like. Adding in some flowers like marigolds, calendula, and cosmos will add color and deter bugs from the produce. A great source for companion planting is here. I also have a whole Pinterest board all about gardening that has a ton more beneficial information here.

Avoid using pesticides and artificial fertilizers as those taint the soil and plants. We are trying to get away from all those toxic chemicals to feed our bodies properly. Composting is a great way to feed your plants. You can even make a compost tea to water the plants and help break down that compost. Worm castings are a fantastic fertilizer and the movement from those worms helps the plants to absorb and synthesize those nutrients effectively.

Do your research and have fun gardening. It does not have to be a stressful tedious time-consuming task. If it is something that brings you calm and peace then take it for a swirl, you may find that you have better energy, enhanced mood, mental clarity, and many other health benefits. If things do not go as planned learn from it and try again. As time goes by you will be a gardening pro before you know it.

Good luck and happy gardening!

~ Tina