It’s only the second day of the month and it already feels like an eternity. Looking back at the trips you planned before the lockdown, you cannot help but to wish everything gets back to normal or maybe, accept the fact that life wouldn’t be the way it used to. Also, almost two months have gone and you think you have tried all the self-care and self-improvement activities out there so you lay on your sofa at 10 AM because you realized you haven’t slept yet.

Hmmm… Have you ever thought of planting or growing your vegetable at home? There are lots of benefits you can get from plants that may be good not only for the environment but also for your well-being.

Benefits of Having Plants

1. Plants make people feel better.
2. It increases optimism and alleviates depression.
3. Studies show hospital patients that have a window view of a garden recover more quickly than those who had to look at a wall.
4. Plants boost creativity.
5. Employees undertaking a task in offices with plants have a lower peak blood pressure.
6. Live plants remove toxic chemicals and produce oxygen.
7. Plants reduce airborne bacteria.

Most people worry about their small spaces at home and stress over the thought of workload to convert their backyard into a garden. Some may even think that growing plants are only for those who are professional. Well, I am no professional but hear it from me, you are thinking it wrong.

While it takes effort to take care of plants, there are ways to simplify and enjoy this as a hobby. One that I practice as a beginner gardener is Container Gardening. With a little knowledge, anyone can surely do it!

What is Container Gardening?

Container gardening is ideal for those with little, limited, or no garden space at home. You can use single or large containers like clay pots or even better, upcycle non-biodegradable food containers such as drinking gallons, cup noodles Container, the famous pinaglagyan-ng-ice cream, and so much more with your creativity!

What plant should I grow?

Everyone has their preferences and reasons on what to plant for their containers. Having your own container garden may:

1. Save you some cash at the grocery.
2. Add some new flavors to your food.
3. Make your own herbal tea.
4. Give you access to organic goods.
5. It allows you to grow and harvest plants at your own pace.

There are different types of gardens that you can have:

1. Herbal (Tea, Culinary and Medicinal)
2. Vegetable
3. Fruit
4. Flowers
5. Succulents
6. Mix and match!

Planting your seeds

The great thing about Container Gardening is that you can do it at any time of the year. If you are starting your plant from seed, make sure to read the instructions from the packet and follow accordingly. Fun thing about seeds is that you can collect them from fruits and vegetables, place it on your container with soil, and watch it grow.

Best Plants to Grow in Containers

1. Tomato
2. Green Beans
3. Lettuce
4. Peppers/Chili
5. Radishes
6. Spinach
7. Peas
8. Cucumber
9. Eggplant
10. Chives

Here’s a sneak peak of my garden to get you inspired!

When should I start?

As soon as possible! If you are starting to grow your tomato plant today, count 40-50 days and you’ll be harvesting your homegrown fruits. Let’s say you placed your seeds on your container on the first week in May, you will be surprised with the outcome in July!

I would love to know your progress in your container garden. Comment below or share it with me with the #Opotitaja!