Caring for plants can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience that offers a range of mental and physical benefits that you can enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, there are many different types of plants that can be grown both indoors and outdoors that form a part of your daily rituals. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of caring for plants and highlight some easy-to-grow options for beginners to get you started with your new hobby.
Benefits of Caring for Plants
There are several benefits to caring for plants that can be useful for people experiencing conditions such as mild anxiety and depression, or those who want a simple, stress-relieving hobby at home. Firstly, it can be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation after a difficult day.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, which are markers of stress. You don’t need to head deep into the woods to get this effect though, and houseplants are a convenient alternative. Secondly, plants can help purify the air and create a healthier living environment by removing toxins and producing clean oxygen, making them a natural air filter.
Thirdly, caring for plants can be a fun and fulfilling hobby that can improve your mood and overall well being because it can give you a low-stakes sense of responsibility. The act of being responsible for another living thing can be a hugely rewarding experience, whether it is a houseplant, pet, or a child of your own. Of course, the decision to have a pet or a child is a much larger one than getting a houseplant or two, or planting a flower bed in the garden!
Easy Plants for Beginners
If you’re new to plant care, there are several types of plants that are easy to grow and maintain that will be a low-stress addition to your home. Succulents, for example, are a popular choice for beginners because they require very little watering and can thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Snake plants are another low-maintenance option that can tolerate a variety of light levels and are excellent at purifying the air. They also have a striking, architectural look which is perfect for modern interiors.
Pothos and spider plants are also easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Pothos will need a form of support because they are long, trailing plants that like to climb in a somewhat haphazard way. If you have the space you could think about installing a small grow tent to fill with plants that have higher light and humidity requirements.
Benefits of Having a Garden
In addition to the benefits of caring for individual plants, having a garden can offer a range of advantages. For starters, it can provide a source of fresh produce and herbs that can be used in cooking, bringing new meaning to “from farm to fork”. Furthermore, gardening can be a form of exercise that promotes physical health and wellbeing because it involves quite a lot of movement such as digging and lifting.
Hydroponics for Hobbyists
For those interested in taking their plant care to the next level, hydroponics can be a great way to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers at home as a hobby. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead, and it is the perfect solution for people without access to a garden who also want to grow more than your average houseplants.
One of the best things about hydroponics is that it allows for greater control over growing conditions and can result in higher yields and faster plant maturation. Hydroponic systems can be set up indoors or outdoors and can range in size from small, tabletop setups to large-scale commercial operations, so you’ll be able to find something suitable for your needs.
To sum up, caring for plants can offer a range of mental and physical benefits for people looking to enrich their daily activities and practise some active mindfulness. Whether you’re looking to start a garden to grow your own fruit or veg or plan to stick to houseplants, there are many easy-to-grow options that can suit a range of lifestyles and living situations. And for those interested in taking their plant care to the next level, hydroponics can be a fun and rewarding hobby that offers a unique, convenient way to grow plants without soil.
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