It is a new season and a time to think of new beginnings. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in life and growth. So instead of committing to losing weight or learning a new life, why not try to start a small indoor garden. Plants are the perfect metaphor for life. They need the right environment, attention and perseverance to grow. It is a hobby that will give back and help you grow (literally!).
Even if you live in an apartment you can still stick your (soon to be green) thumb in some soil and plant some seeds. You can choose from decorative house plants to vegetables and herbs. According to WebMD houseplants can help relieve allergy, make you happier, purify your air and even help you focus better. If you go a step further and choose to grow veggies or herbs then you will reap what you sow (#sorrynotsorry) and eat it too.
Gardening is not complicated and doesn’t need any magic. But it does require an investment of time, effort, money (but not a lot) and knowledge. As with all things, start with your why. If your end goal is just to have some more green at home and improved air quality then go for the most robust and easiest to care for houseplants that require minimal effort. This will help you get started without being too challenging.
If you are the kind of person who is laid back, then find a plant that isn’t fussy and doesn’t need more than an occasional watering. If you like structure and schedules, then a plant that needs regular care is the one for you. Basically, find a plant that mirrors your lifestyle.
You can find any of these plants at the nurseries in Shuwaikh. Aglaonemas (Chinese Evergreen) love water and will be ok if you over water. Jade’s on the other hand retain water in their leaves and will survive if you forget them for up to a month, but they do like their sun. Yuccas, love the sun too and don’t need a lot of watering. A spider plant is a great option too, because they are very fast growing and you can re-pot the baby shoots for more spider plants.
There are also some great apps available that can help you manage your new plant life. Florish is a great free app for iPhones that helps show you how your plants should look when they are healthy, provides care instructions and can even remind you when you should water your plant babies. But the best feature is the light meter that can use the camera to estimate light intensity and recommend plants for the space.
Once you feel ready to level up, plant some herbs. Who doesn’t want freshly picked basil or mint sprinkled on their salads? Herbs do need more sun, so make sure to find a really well lit area. The pots will need great drainage so the roots don’t rot and don’t over water.
We got you started with ideas and inspiration but you will need to get your hands dirty for this one. Plants really are a wonderful addition to any home, whatever you decide to grow.
What are you excited to grow at home? DM us on @bazaargram on Instagram to let us know. Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash.
