Why are so many people doing more gardening recently?
The pandemic has caused a lot of behavioral changes. While we have been stuck at home more than usual, we tend to look for productive things to do with our time. Garden retailers will tell you that they have had a surge of business. Many of us have decided that our home landscapes could use some improvement. Others have chosen to spend more time planting and growing things like flowers and vegetables.
Once we start or resume gardening there are a number of rewards that keep us going. Various kinds of exercise involved in gardening helps us stay in better physical condition.
Here are some of my rewards from gardening: There is something calming and comforting about being out in the beauties of nature. If you have helped create some of those beauties, it is even better. I spend at least a few minutes several times a week touring my yard. It is fun to watch the change plants go through from week to week. I remove a few weeds as I go along. The improved appearance when the weeds are gone is also satisfying.
Since I have more time, I have increased the size of my vegetable garden. I have more extra vegetables to share with others. A neighbor has decided to plant his own tomatoes after being reminded of how much better vine-ripened fruit tastes compared to what you buy at the store. I don’t have to worry about all the additives and preservatives found in canned and frozen food. Not to mention the possibility of pesticide residues on commercially grown fruits and vegetables. I know exactly what I have put on my vegetables. The ones I put in the freezer will be just as pure and clean.
