For many Ohioans, tending to the garden while on lockdown hasn’t just been a practical and fun pastime. It’s also provided a chance to experience all the advantages that come with watching life spring out of the soil.
What are the benefits that come with gardening during coronavirus and after?
First and foremost, gardening is a well-regarded stress reliever. Anyone who’s won a battle with a thicket of weeds knows how lasting the feeling of victory can be!
Working in a garden also provides terrific exercise. It’s not easy sitting outside for hours edging, planting, or landscaping.
Finally, testing your green thumb can give you control over something. Right now, many people worry that they can’t control much. But they can figure out where to put a plant and how to care for it — and then watch their efforts blossom.
Like all hobbies and activities during the pandemic, gardening has a few dos and don’ts that you’ll want to keep in mind. That way, you can get the most out of your gardening experiences without worrying about your health, wellness or budget matters.
Maybe you’ve never handled the lawnmower before or worked with pruning shears. Learn how to use them correctly and safely. Read manuals, watch YouTube videos, and check out articles with gardening hints.
At the same time, make sure you wear a mask and practice social distancing measures if you plan to garden with someone who lives outside of your household, such as a friend or neighbor.
It can be exhilarating to get outside after sitting indoors under shelter-in-place regulations. Just be sure you’re stopping every 30 minutes or so to drink some water, move to a new position or reapply sunscreen. These simple strategies will ensure you feel energized and not achy by evening.
Many first-time gardeners make the mistake of just planting seeds or plants they’ve purchased from a greenhouse without investigating their soil. It’s easy for soil to be depleted of nutrients or be deficient in anything from iron to phosphorus, depending on its location, pH level and other factors.
You can get your soil tested by a trusted company that provides the service. Alternatively, you can order soil test kits and soil quality digital meters for delivery to your home from various internet retailers.
You might want to get yourself into the garden while on lockdown, but think about what’s suitable for your seeds. Many seeds grow best when they’re started indoors or in smaller pots. Pick up some eco-friendly, biodegradable starter pots and start some plants on your patio, in a well-lit garage, or on your screened-in porch.
Plants that do best when started elsewhere and transplanted later include Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, broccoli, and cabbage.
You’ll thank yourself next year if you spend time setting up a compost pile today. Composting enables you to reduce the waste you throw away. Additionally, you’ll be able to use the compost later to nourish all your flower, food, and herb garden beds.
Now that you know what to do in the garden during the pandemic, make every gorgeous summer and fall day count. Even if you only spend 15-30 minutes daily on greening your property, you’ll appreciate the results.
Remember that Shearer Patio & Landscape Services is open for business and ready to help you transform all your green spaces. Contact us today to set up an initial consultation to talk about anything from general landscaping to constructing an outdoor oasis in your backyard.