10 Home Gardening Related Projects To Expand Your Creativity
The Benefits of Home Gardening
Home gardens are tried and tested local strategies that have been proven to reduce hunger and poverty. They provide a variety of environmental, social and economic benefits.
For example, among the Achuar Indians living in the upper Amazon, a lush garden can boost the social status of women. And, in Tajikistan gardens at home are a source of the food security and nutrition of a household.
1. Know Your Plants
When you begin to grow your own veggies and flowers, it's important to know what plants can thrive in your garden. A little research can help you avoid wasting money on seeds that won't grow or introduce invasive species into your backyard. You can consult your neighbor or a local nursery or your cooperative extension service for help. You can also do online research to find out the types of plants which will thrive in your climate and area.
Home gardens are a long-lasting small-scale subsistence farming system that produces a variety crops for consumption by the household as well as income generation. The research suggests that home gardens can be a successful strategy to increase food and nutritional security in various socio-economic contexts. They are an efficient and sustainable method to deal with the daily shortage of food and price volatility. They also contribute to a healthy diet by providing an array of nutritious vegetables and fruits and herbs and spices, and contribute to the economy in resource-poor communities by providing livelihood and income opportunities.
In addition in providing food, health as well as economic benefits, home gardens also serve as a place of refuge and natural source of wildlife. In addition, they help enhance biodiversity and provide ecological services, such as soil erosion control and recycling of nutrients. Gardens at home can be a great opportunity to educate children and youngsters about the importance of sustainability and the need to protect the environment. Gardens at home are also a great way to unwind and spend time with friends and family. More research is needed however, to understand the impact of gardening at home on building local food systems as well as promoting resilience in post-crisis situations.
2. Know Your Space
Gardening at home is a complex process and often resemble ecological agricultural production systems that sponsor biodiversity conservation [120]. They could also include wild species, landraces, and cultivars that have specific desirable traits. This makes them excellent places for the in situ preservation genetic diversity and natural resources.
A garden in your home is beneficial to the environment, and it can also help to reduce household expenses. It also provides a source of fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers to cook with. They can also act as a stress reliever and create stunning landscapes to relax and enjoy romance. They can also improve the air quality in your home by circulating oxygen.
They can also increase the value of your home's value. A well-maintained garden can improve the curb appeal of your home and may attract buyers if you decide to sell it. They can be a tranquil and serene place to unwind after a long, hard day. You can set up a dining table in your backyard or on your balcony to enjoy dinner with your loved one. Plants such as climbers, vines, and ferns can also help you make your home a more welcoming space to return to.
3. Know Your Tools
There is a broad range of tools for gardeners at home and many of them have specific uses. The right tools can make gardening more enjoyable, efficient and productive. If you use the wrong tool, however, can cause frustration and even injury.
A good set of gardening tools is vital for any gardener at home. This includes a trowel, garden fork as well as pruning shears and a watering jar. You can easily locate these items at your local garden center or hardware store.
You may also require special equipment, based on your garden's size and the kind of plants you're growing. If you're planning on digging large holes, a spade is essential. A tape measure can be a useful tool in the garden. It is not a good idea to eyeball lengths as it could be inefficient and waste materials. A pair of kneepads can aid in preventing soreness and discomfort when you are spending a lot of time in the garden. (via Advancing Alternatives). This is crucial for anyone suffering from back pain, arthritis, or other physical conditions. These simple steps can help home gardeners avoid discomfort and make gardening a more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Know Your Plants Needs
The more you know your plants the better you will be able to care for them. Knowing what each plant needs -like sunlight as well as water and fertilizer can help keep them healthy and happy. Additionally knowing your soil's climate and conditions will help you choose the best plants for your area. For example, if you reside in a region that has dry air, you might want to consider adding humidifiers to the rooms where your plants are. If you also have sandy soil, you might need amend it by adding organic compost to improve the soil's structure.
Many studies show the positive impacts home gardens have towards food security and nutrition. They represent a continuous small-scale subsistence farming systems that are created by families to meet and supplement their daily food requirements. In addition they are reputed to provide households with livelihood and income opportunities for resource-poor families. They also provide a range of ecosystem services, like soil conservation and climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, home gardening has been a time-tested strategy for families to develop and sustain food systems in times of crisis. In Tajikistan during the post-Soviet time in the post-Soviet period, when families faced financial hardships and frequent food shortages, they relied on the gardens at home to help reduce the amount of food they ate and diversify their diets.
Plants and gardening will also improve your mental well-being. Studies have shown that people who spend time in nature and interact with plants have significant reductions in stress levels and anxiety. This is because of the positive emotions associated with gardening, as well as the physical exercise that comes with taking care of the garden.
5. Know the requirements of your plants
As you become familiar with your garden and the plants in it, you can learn the amount of sun and water, as well as the nutrients each one needs to flourish. For instance, philodendrons and other tropical houseplants require lots of moisture. Cacti and succulents thrive best when the soil dries out between waterings. Understanding the unique nutrient needs of each plant will help you avoid overwatering and underwatering.
According to research on gardeners at home, they could provide multiple social and environment benefits to the society that is involved in them [22. They are often a source of income and food for resource-poor households and a tool to improve the nutrition of families and increase their resilience in the environment of global food crises, price volatility and political instability. Home gardening can also aid in the transfer of indigenous crops and animal species, farming practices and production techniques from generation to generation.
Additionally, the social aspect of home gardens is characterized by the importance of women in their maintenance and development. Numerous studies have demonstrated that gardening can improve health and mental well-being for women, and also contributes to their empowerment and community involvement. In addition to its immediate benefits, the activity engenders an optimistic outlook through the development of an optimism by facing the challenge of cultivating greenery.
In the post-Soviet time of Tajikistan for example, many families were affected by war and food shortages. They depended heavily on the gardens of their homes to supplement their diets and reduce their poverty. Home gardening can provide nutritional and food security for families in times of crisis or in times of instability. It could also be a source of income in these times.