Gardening for patience? Here's why it works!
What's the story
Gardening is a rewarding activity, but it does take time, effort, and patience. It's a way to connect with nature while nurturing plants from seeds to full bloom. For many, the process of gardening can be therapeutic and educational. But it also requires patience since the plants grow at their own pace. Here are five ways to cultivate patience through gardening practices that can enhance your experience and improve your skills.
Easy choices
Start with simple plants
Start your gardening journey with plants that are easy to grow and care for. It is wise to choose hardy varieties like succulents or herbs like basil and mint. These plants require least attention but give quick results, which can boost your confidence tremendously without trying your patience too much. This way, you can have a pleasant introduction to gardening, setting the tone right for your horticultural adventures.
Manage expectations
Set realistic expectations
Understanding the growth cycle of different plants is essential in setting realistic expectations for your garden. Obviously, you must've done some research on how long it takes for each type of plant to germinate, grow and bloom. This will help you align your expectations with the actual growth process, making you far less frustrated when you find that things are moving slowly.
Consistent care
Create a routine
Setting up a proper schedule for watering, weeding, and checking up on your garden can contribute to the development of patience over time. Staying consistent with the care of plants not only improves their health but also makes for disciplined gardeners who learn to wait for results patiently.
Continuous learning
Embrace learning opportunities
Gardening provides a treasure trove of learning through its very nature of trial and error. By accepting mistakes as an integral part of the gardening process instead of a setback, gardeners can learn valuable lessons. Every challenge faced is a step towards being more patient and skilled. This attitude makes a gardener see every mistake as an opportunity to grow and improve, valuing patience and perseverance over instant success.
Mindful gardening
Enjoy the process
Focus on enjoying every step of gardening, instead of only the end result, like flowers or fruits. Appreciate the care you provide from the seedling stage to maturity. This mindful approach enhances patience, as you see every phase of growth and celebrate progress made over time.