As we slowly slip into the lazy season of summer, it’s important to remember to keep busy, by not just doing one thing! Whether it’s relaxing by sitting in front of the TV, or indulging in as many books as possible, spending your holidays on only a single, for want of a better word, project. As summer is the only season in the UK where it doesn’t rain every single day, it seems appropriate that at least some of these activities should be based outdoors. Ominous, I know. Whilst it is important to remain active with sports based pastimes, there are other, less tiring things that you can also do! For example; starting a small garden.
Gardening, whilst not the most tiring of hobbies, is a certainly a good way to keep us outdoors, and active. It can act as a great lesson of responsibility for young children, especially those perhaps begging for a pet. Plants need to be watered every day, and require much less care than an actual animal. A similar stepping stone in responsibility to a fish, perhaps, but without the loss of a tiny life if such a milestone cannot be crossed. Statistically speaking, gardening also makes people happier! The British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)’s survey of 2014 found that 82% of people find gardening makes them happier, whilst 70% said given the option, they’d rather spend their day working in the garden, compared to 9% opting for an office, and 21% undecided. So, now that you’re desperate to call a patch of earth your very own, how do you begin?
The first, and arguably most vital decision of your garden is what type of garden it should be. Herbs, vegetables, flowers, whatever you want! I would suggest that for a first garden, or children’s garden, plants that provide edible rewards should be the focus. Not only does it mean that you get locally sourced, organic food, but it also acts as positive reinforcement: if you put hard work and care into what you do, you are provided with a delicious reward.
After deciding the focus of your garden, you need the plants themselves! You can either purchase a young plant, or if you like a challenge, the seeds. If you’ve decided to buy the adolescent fauna, then dig a hole for it, perhaps filling the base with fresh soil. Then, remove the plant from its pot, twisting gently to ensure that the roots remain intact. Separate the roots a little, and if they’re dry, water them, before placing the plant in the hole, and filling around with soil. Easy! Seeds can be a little harder - how well they grow depends on if they’re in season. The packet usually provides any specific instructions, but the general idea is - plant them in a shallow hole, cover, and wait to grow, watering every day.
Hopefully this will give those of you who are a little bored some pointers as to how to spend your summer - of course, it should be noted that once summer is over, your garden doesn’t automatically go away. These plants will need care throughout the winter too! After all, a garden’s for life, not just for summer.
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