SPICE UP YOUR GARDEN Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get your hands dirty and put down some roots! Herb gardens are a great addition inside or outside your home. They are extremely versatile plants and easy to grow - even if you don’t have a green thumb.
For all the beginner gardeners out there, planting herbs is a great way to start. The garden will take minimal effort to begin compared to other plants, like vegetables, and the herbs will grow quite easily. Many of them are so easy to grow, that you can plant them almost anywhere: indoors, in pots outside, directly in the ground, or even use a hydroponic system. After planting, they can handle a wide variety of temperatures and require minimal maintenance. Once you plant your herb garden, you’ll be able to step outside or over to the windowsill to grab fresh chives for your morning breakfast. Herbs can also help improve your health. Herbs help with building your immune system, detoxifying, digestion, headaches, and even can reduce stress. The herbs can also be used to make your morning tea. Try a pinch of peppermint to boost your mood or to help settle an upset stomach. Herb gardening might even lead to a healthier and happier life. In today’s society, it’s easy to get lost in routine and overstimulated by electronics. Taking a break from the computer, and spending time outside getting dirt under your fingernails is a great way to improve your mental health. We all need a little fresh air, Vitamin D, and a break from daily stress to reduce the risk of burnout, lower our anxiety, and boost
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Spring 2022 — Partners
our mood. Even having a few plants in your office can help improve the energy of the environment. If all of these benefits have not convinced you to start your garden,; think of the money-saving factor. We all know that purchasing herbs can be pricey. Why buy herbs from the store when you can grow them? With only a few dollars, you can purchase a pack of seeds that will grow for years. Growing will also help you reduce waste. We all have experienced the downfall of forgetting herbs in the fridge and having to throw away a bag after only a few days. Growing allows you to always take the perfect amount. A dash of cilantro won’t lead to any waste when you grab a few leaves off your living plant. Now that you’ve heard all the benefits of starting an herb garden, there’s a few common ones you might want to grab when you stop at your garden center. Mint is the most common to have on hand to treat any stomach issues, boost your immune system, and to remedy symptoms of the common cold. There’s nothing better than a hot mint tea to soothe a sore throat. Rosemary is a great herb to spice up any dish. It can be used in soups, salads, and even stews. A hint of rosemary on your chicken will give a lemony-pine flavor. The options are endless… why not try a few this year! ■
