While our ancestors routinely connected with nature, often cultivating their own food, industrialization shifted our focus. We became consumed by career progression, productivity, and time optimization. In doing so, we neglected the simple joy of life and often found ourselves caught in the whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and depression.
However, as we’ve sought to balance our physical and emotional well-being, research has rediscovered the profound benefits of gardening and horticulture. These activities can significantly improve our quality of life and alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Plus, growing our own organic food nourishes us on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
You might be thinking, “That sounds great, but I don’t have the space or time,” especially if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, about to facing winter. But we encourage you to give it a try. Gardening can be a particularly helpful way to find balance during colder months.
Here are three easy-to-grow herbs perfect for indoor gardening:
- Cilantro: Gently crush the outer husk of cilantro seeds, soak them in water for 24-48 hours, and then plant them 1/4 inch deep. Once they reach 2 inches tall, water them every 3-4 days when the soil feels dry. Ensure your pot has good drainage.
- Mint: Scatter mint seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover them. Place the pot in indirect sunlight. Mint prefers consistently moist soil, so water every 2-3 days.
- Oregano: Sprinkle oregano seeds on the soil surface and mist with water. This hardy herb requires minimal care. Once it reaches 6 inches tall, it’s ready to harvest. Water every 4-5 days when the soil is partially dry.
Let us know if you decide to start gardening! We’ll be sharing our own gardening journey on social media.
References
Ainamani HE, Gumisiriza N, Bamwerinde WM, Rukundo GZ. Gardening activity and its relationship to mental health: Understudied and untapped in low-and middle-income countries. Prev Med Rep. 2022 Aug 8;29:101946. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101946. PMID: 35991326; PMCID: PMC9389296. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9389296/#b0035
Deng, L., Deng, Q. Los roles básicos de las plantas de interior en la salud y el confort humanos. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25 , 36087–36101 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3554-1
Urban Farmer | Seeds, Plants and Garden Supplies. (s. f.). https://www.ufseeds.com/
