With the UK going through its period of social distancing due to the Covid-19 virus, lots of us are spending much more time at home than usual. While it might feel frustrating and restrictive, this lockdown is necessary to slow down the spread of the virus and to protect the more vulnerable among us.
Thankfully, spring is here and so if you’re a keen gardener, you might enjoy the extra opportunities to work on your garden. Even if you’re not especially blessed with a green thumb, now could be the time to plant some seeds, start a vegetable plot or just to tidy up your outside spaces.
Some garden centres are offering online deliveries
Check out your local garden centres as some are offering deliveries or click and collect services. Many are also offering serious discounts, as lots of the plants will have to be thrown away if they’re not bought.
Research ways of growing vegetables and fruits from seeds
If you eat peppers, tomatoes and similar fruit and veg then you could start a windowsill garden in old yoghurt pots, then replant the seedlings when they’re old enough. This is especially fun for younger children as it gives them something to do each day and once the spouts appear, they’ll feel they’ve achieved something.
Tidy up what you have going on already
You can give your lawns and borders a serious weeding as you’ll have the time on your hands. Not only will you see a huge difference in your garden, but you’ll be outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Create a seating area
If you don’t already have garden furniture then think about ways you could turn your garden into a retreat. Even though you’re not leaving your postcode, you can get away from it all at the bottom of your garden if you use some bamboo screens, for example. Another idea is to paint a garden wall in bright white or blue and hang an old mirror up, or arrange some terracotta pots to bring in a Mediterranean feel.
Don’t worry if you only have a balcony
You can still order in planters and some growbags for soil, as well as repurpose old plastic tubs and pots to start your seedlings off. There’s nothing quite like plucking your own tomatoes to go in a salad or sandwich.
