Gardening
Growing your own food is one thing, that led me to have an own garden. The healing power of gardening is the other things, that makes me to have a garden forever. It is work. For ure, and one may argue, that it is not that efficient (money wise) to grow your own food. Organic plants and sees can be pricey and one have to make a kind of effort to guarantee a nice harvest. However, I feel like there are ways to overcome this part of gardening: you might share some self raised plants with others, go to a plant market (as we did last year), raise your own plants (see blog here). Having said that, buying vegetables at store in a plastic bag, even organic non packaged vegetables, wont never gives you the feeling of pulling your own carrots out of the dirt.
In fact, there is a lot of research done, and still on the rise, how healing gardening can be for your mental health. (blog).
Plan with Purpose:
Before you dig in, take time to plan your garden. Assess your space, consider the sunlight, soil type, and climate. Choose native plants that are well-suited to your area. They’re often low-maintenance, requiring less water and care while providing essential support to local ecosystems.
Embrace Composting:
Utilize kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials to create nutrient-rich compost. Composting not only reduces household waste but also enhances soil quality without relying on chemical fertilizers. It’s a natural and cost-effective way to nourish your plants while reducing your environmental footprint.
Water Wisely:
Opt for smart watering techniques like drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and water waste. Collect rainwater in barrels to use for watering, reducing reliance on treated water and conserving resources.
Practice Companion Planting:
Some plants have symbiotic relationships that benefit each other when planted together. For instance, planting basil alongside tomatoes can improve tomato flavor and repel pests. Research companion planting to create natural pest control and boost plant health without synthetic chemicals.
Go Organic: 
Choose organic seeds, soil, and pest control methods. Organic gardening avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and ecosystems while reducing chemical runoff that can harm the environment.
Mulch Matters:
Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. Use organic mulch like wood chips, straw, or leaves, which decompose over time, enriching the soil. Mulch made from aromatic plants that snails don’t like to eat can also serve as protection against the creepy-crawlies. These include lavender, thyme and rosemary, for example. Mulch made from straw is also an alternative to wood chips.
Mindful Snail Solutions:
Snails are sensitive to caffeine. Spreading used coffee grounds around plants can act as a barrier, deterring snails due to the acidity and caffeine content. Reapply after rain as it may lose its effectiveness. Crushed eggshells create a sharp barrier that snails prefer to avoid. Scatter them around vulnerable plants to discourage snails from crossing. Encourage natural predators like frogs, toads, and birds by creating habitats or providing shelter in your garden. They help control snail populations naturally. Conduct regular inspections, especially during the early morning or after rain, and manually remove snails. Dispose of them in a container of soapy water to prevent their return. Certain plants like lavender, sage, and rosemary have scents that repel snails. Planting these around vulnerable areas may discourage snails from approaching.
Encourage Biodiversity:
Diverse gardens support a wide range of beneficial insects, birds, and microorganisms that contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Incorporate a variety of plants, create habitats like birdhouses or insect hotels, and avoid monoculture to promote biodiversity.
Practice Regular Maintenance: 
Regularly inspect your garden for pests or diseases, and address them promptly using natural remedies if needed. Pruning, weeding, and proper plant care ensure a healthy garden without the need for excessive interventions
Find a Community Garden: Look for local community gardens or gardening groups in your area. Check with local community centers, schools, or online platforms dedicated to gardening enthusiasts.
Join Forces: Join or initiate a group of like-minded individuals interested in gardening. Collaborate with neighbors, friends, or local organizations to start a community garden project.
Shared Responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilitieswithin the group. Assign tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, and maintenance to ensure everyone contributes and benefits from the shared garden.
Resource Sharing: Pool resources such as gardening tools, seeds, compost, and watering equipment. This reduces individual costs and promotes efficient use of resources within the group.
Learn Together: Encourage knowledge exchange by sharing gardening tips, techniques, and experiences. Organize workshops, seminars, or hands-on sessions within the community to facilitate learning.
Embrace Diversity: Welcome diverse perspectives and gardening approaches. Embracing different cultural practices and plant varieties enriches the garden and the learning experience for everyone involved.
Sustainable Practices: Focus on sustainable gardening methods. Implement composting, water conservation techniques, and organic gardening principles for a greener and more eco-friendly garden.
Community Involvement: Engage the broader community by organizing events, open days, or produce markets to showcase the garden’s offerings. Invite neighbors and local schools to participate and enjoy the benefits of the shared garden space.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure the garden is accessible to all members of the community. Consider the needs of diverse groups, including those with disabilities, and make accommodations for their participation.
Celebrate Successes: Celebrate milestones, harvests, and achievements as a community. Recognize and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the shared garden space.
