Unearth the benefits: How gardening can help your mental health

gardening from the doorstep

Gardening allows you to feel the sun on your skin, the dirt between your fingers, and the sweet satisfaction of a task completed.

Believe it or not, gardening can offer some serious blessings for your mental health. In this article, we will unearth some of the benefits of gardening and show you how to get started today.

How does gardening help with stress relief?

Focusing on gardening tasks can help you forget about your negative feelings. 

You’re so focused on weeding, planting, watering, and pruning that you don’t have time to worry about anything else. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or depression, as it provides a welcomed distraction from negative thoughts.

Interacting with nature has also been shown to increase self-esteem and mood. When you’re surrounded by plants and flowers, it’s easy to feel connected to something bigger than yourself. This can be incredibly grounding and provide a sense of peace that’s difficult to find in this digital generation.

Can gardening help improve your mood?

Gardening has been found to have a positive effect on mental health comparable to meditation and exercise.

The interaction with soil can stimulate areas of the brain that produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to influence mood, appetite, and sleep.

What are some helpful tips for starting a garden?
woman cutting fresh herbs for cooking

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Here are a few tips to get you started on your gardening journey:

  • Start small.

You don’t need a huge plot of land to start reaping the benefits of gardening. A few potted plants on your porch or windowsill will do.

  • Choose easy-to-care-for plants.

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to how much care they need. Do some research on plant species that are easy to care for so you can set yourself up for success.

  • Pick edible plants.

One of the best things about gardening is being able to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor. Start with a few edible plant species so you can enjoy the benefits of both fresh produce and time spent interacting with nature.

What to keep in mind when you’re gathering plants and supplies?

When you’re ready to add some plants to your home, it’s important to buy from reputable vendors.

Checking reviews can help you find a vendor with a good reputation for delivering healthy plants. It’s also worth considering whether the vendor offers delivery. This can be a great service to take advantage of if you don’t want the hassle of transporting those plants back home yourself.

So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your cognitive function, it’s time to start gardening. Just be sure to choose plants that match your gardening abilities, and take the time to read up so you can enjoy the process fully.

Read More...

Get FREE edible gardening seed packs at vending machines located at FairPrice Xtra VivoCity and Parkway Parade

You can now grow your own vegetables at home

FairPrice Xtra is giving away FREE edible gardening seed packs at their stores located at VivoCity and Parkway Parade.

There are a total of 600 packs to be given away via the Auntie Sam’s vending machine. There are varieties such as Thai basil, spring onion, okra and more.

The machines are located near the check-out areas, so grab a pack while stocks last.

You can register for an account with Auntie Sam here.

Now show us your green thumb.

Images via NTUC FairPrice.

Read More...

Plant and garden nursery in Sungei Tengah sells over 30 types of potted plants at $2 each

Get your plants at $2 each

You don’t need to spend a fortune to beautify your home with plants and greenery.

ShiSheng Plant, a nursery located in Sungei Tengah, has announced in Facebook that they are selling potted plants at only $2 per pot. There are 34 species of plants to choose from including Dracaena, Fittonia, Philodendron, Pothos, Syngonium and more!

Note that they are not opened for walk-in during this period and customers can purchase the plants from their online store here.

In case you can’t view the photos, check them out below:

Read More...

Budget-Friendly Sources For Plants & Gardening Essentials In Singapore

Nurturing your plants is a great way to temporarily disconnect from the uncertainties of the world. Letting nature fill your space not only improves your mood, but also helps you breathe clean air.

If you are looking for places to shop for plants, check out the plant nurseries and online marketplaces on this list.

#1: NOAH GARDEN CENTRE

If your fondness for online shopping extends to love for plants, I have good news for you! Noah Garden Centre is an online marketplace that connects buyers to multiple sellers. You will be greeted with a variety of options from plants to gardening accessories. Furthermore, the plants are categorized according to types and sizes.

Image Credits: facebook.com/noahgardencentre

The website also gives specific instructions regarding plant care such as the amount of water and sunlight needed for each plant. Aside from these useful details, you should check out the “clearance tab”. This is where all the special deals reside. Shopping for plants has never been easier.

Website: noahgardencentre.com.sg

#2: THE GARDEN STORE

People who are new to the amazing world of plants may stick to plants that are easy to take care of. From succulents to cacti, you will be spoiled for choice in The Garden Store at Bedok South. This one-stop shop retails plants, planters, soil, gardening tools, paving slabs, and more. You will be able to get what you need to complete your own landscaping project.

Its informative website provides a fact sheet for its plants. For instance, the Money Plant (S$3.50) was described as a plant that needs to be exposed to bright indirect sunlight or semi-shade. Those who are going to shop online will get free delivery purchases amounting to at least S$200. Otherwise, the delivery charge is S$25.

Address: 10 Bedok South Rd, Singapore 469274
Website: thegardenstore.sg

#3: WORLD FARM (HUA HNG TRADING)

The World Farm or Hua Hng Trading is one of the largest garden centers in Singapore. Feast your eyes with a variety of plants and gardening essentials. Simply grab a cart and load your plants in it. You may also pick up accompanying accessories located near the cashier.

Prices here are usually cheaper than most nurseries and they readily stock the bestsellers such as succulents (from S$3), herbs (from S$5), and flowering plants (from S$9). They also have several options for gardening tools, accessories, fertilizers, and other medicines (e.g., insecticides).

Address: 15 Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769962
Website: huahng.com.sg

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: FAR EAST FLORA GARDEN CENTRE

Grow delicious herbs to use in your homecooked meals by purchasing plants from Far East Flora Garden Centre. For starters, it stores mint (from S$7) and basil (from S$7). Far East Flora is one of the most popular plant nurseries in Singapore. Its selection for houseplants is vast and even includes garden furniture and other accessories.

Begin the search for your newest plant baby by checking out its website or by visiting its flagship store. Delivery fee will cost you S$35.

Address: Multiple branches in Singapore
Website: fareastfloragarden.com

#5: PICK A PLANT

Pick a Plant’s story started with a humble search for rare air plants from all over the world. A lot has changed since then. Pick a Plant now houses the most interesting air plants, cacti, and succulents to share the founder’s passion for foliage.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pickaplantsg

This plant nursery typically sells their plants for S$4 each. Stay updated by following its Facebook page.

Address: 50 Choa Chu Kang Track 14, Singapore 698940
Website: pickaplant.com.sg

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Beginner’s Guide To Growing Houseplants

From vibrant succulents to the elusive variegated Monstera, the popularity of growing your own houseplants spiked during the pandemic. Visually driven social media has become a haven for foliage fanatics. Simply ask your friends, who are proud plant-dads or plant-moms, about their collections and they will gush with enthusiasm.

Although this botanic popularity may seem like a fad, people have long been maintaining a love affair with plants. Let us focus on the Millennial generation. Their love of plants roots from the self-care and wellness movements. This generation spend money on wellness categories such as boutique fitness classes and athleisure wear. It only make sense that they embrace the physical and mental health benefits offered by plants. Swipe through Instagram to see what I mean!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Growing your own greens is a healthy way to save money and to enjoy fresh produce at home. When done correctly, you will be able to significantly cut down your grocery budget. Moreover, growing houseplants can help improve the indoor air quality. You just have to set aside a budget for gardening.

The total bill for a DIY garden will vary by the type of plant grown, the number of plants purchased, and other factors. To calculate the true cost of starting and maintaining a garden throughout the year, add the following factors together.

Cost of plants or seeds
Cost to provide nutrient-rich soil (i.e., dirt, fertilizer, and worms)
Cost to water plants
Cost to protect and structure plants (e.g., cages, coverings, and fences)
Cost of tools and accessories (e.g., garden forks, gloves, and spade)

Do your research when growing an arsenal of tools. You can start with these basic tools.

1. Gloves

Gardening is a wonderful hobby. Keep things on the pleasant side and avoid a thorny situation by using the right pair of gloves. Garden gloves should be durable, but not bulky.

2. Garden Fork

Garden forks can dig into dense soil better than spades. Forks with straight tines are used for digging and are great for rocky or clay soil. Forks with square tines are stronger than flat tines. Lastly, forks with slight curves to the spines are useful for scooping mulch or turning compost piles.

3. Spade

Spades are short-handled square shovels. A spade will help you to dig holes, create edges, and move small mounds of dirt from one are to another. It may be pricey, but a good spade will last for a long time.

4. Hoe

Hoes are useful in cutting down weeds and preparing your flower beds. You garden will dictate which hoe suits it best. For instance, a veggie garden may require a sturdy and wide hoe.

5. Watering Can

There are hundreds of styles, sizes, colors, and nozzle options when buying a watering can. However, the two basic types are plastic and metal. The plastic type may not last as long as the metal type.

6. Trowel

A trowel is useful for moving soil, digging, removing weeds, mixing fertilizer and much more. It is essentially a handheld shovel.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I hope that this article gave you enough information to get you started. With everything else, do not forget to have fun! Embrace the physical and mental benefits that plants have to offer.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...