Posted by The weekend is the ideal time to get gardening, if you don’t have to work. It combines the joys of choosing plants, whether from a garden centre, fete or seedling swap; breathing in depression- fighting bacteria in soil; exercising most of your body; and helping wildlife.
You don’t need a garden to start gardening. If you have any outdoor space at all, you can plant containers. These are often free from skips or your local Wastenot/Freecycle group. If you have a local Transition Town group, you may be able to get free compost. If not, buy peat-free for the sake of the planet.
Plant what you eat, to cut food costs (and prepare for any food shortages). I have lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, pea shoots, strawberries, rosemary, chives, thyme, parsley, mint and a selection of self-seeded wildowers that I left for the pollinators.
I also have flowers every colour of the rainbow, to attract different insects, and a bug garden which I keep topped up with water.
It’s a lovely feeling making dinner from your garden. Even a salad windowbox can mean you can ‘cut and come again’ rather than throwing away half eaten bags of salad.
Gardening needn’t be expensive, and can be a great money-saver, helping you eat well on a budget. It’s also a lovely way to spend time. If you have no space at all, look for a community allotment and you’ll be growing your own food in no time.
groweatgift 