Got Free Time? The Easiest Plants You Can Grow During Lockdown

Practicing social distancing is hard, but this quarantine is the perfect time to try out hobbies since you have all the time in the world. Want to test your green thumb? Find out the best plants to grow in your home even if you have limited space. 

Has the quarantine left you watching your friends post garden adventures on Instagram and Facebook? Even if you live in a condo or a small apartment, you can still enjoy this hobby. 

Planting food will not only let you eat healthier, it will also help you avoid long queues at the grocery store. Not only that, it’s also cheap and therapeutic. If you decide to grow plants, keep in mind that it takes time so you better have a lot of patience ready.

Tomato

If you’re a first-time gardener, this should be the first thing on your list. All you need is a deep container. To start, fill it with soil and spray it with water. If it’s summertime where you are, the seedlings need to get watered twice a day so they can keep up with the heat and humidity. But when it finally bears tomatoes, you can enjoy making your pasta or pizza sauce. How great is that?

Potato

Since you can’t run to your favorite fast food chain to grab a large serving of fries, why don’t you try growing potatoes yourself? The next time you’re getting potatoes in the market, choose a small one with at least two buds. Then, let it dry out for a few days before planting it. This would prevent rotting. 

Potatoes need sun exposure so assess the best part of your home where you can place your pot. This is also a very low maintenance plant since you won’t have to worry about intense heat killing it off.

Radish

There’s nothing quite like the crunch from a big bite of radish. Whether you want to add it to soups, salads, or do a picked version, this root veggie will give you the nutrients you need. Radish is a favorite among gardeners because its seeds sprout within a week. It’s also perfect if you don’t live somewhere warm. All you need to do is sow the seeds an inch deep and two inches apart. In just three weeks, you will have something to harvest.

Lettuce

If you’re a beginner gardener, lettuce is your new best friend not only because it grows fast, but because it’s so low maintenance. You can simply tuck it between other veggies and fruit containers. A good type of lettuce is the foundation of your salad so don’t be afraid to experiment with different tasty varieties. The trick to planting lettuce is to use quality loose soil and water it regularly.

Mint, Basil, and other Herbs

The secret to Asian culinary endeavors is herbs. Whether you choose to plant basil, mint, or chives, it can be a great aesthetic and practical addition to your urban home. Choose a warm and sunny location or get a grow light. Then, simply place your chosen herbs in a container. When you water your herbs, always aim the water on the roots to prevent mold. Also be careful of drowning your herbs. Before you water it, stick your finger in and if it’s still quite moist, you can skip watering for the day. 

Carrots

Have you ever had freshly picked carrots before? It’s the ultimate addition to savory dishes like stir-fry or sweet ones like cake. Carrots are a top choice for people who want to grow foods but want to save space. All you need is to plant it 2 inches deep in soil. If you have limited space, you can get a raised bed and hang it on your balcony.

Ready, Set, Plant

You may have heard about people stocking up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but you know what’s the only thing you should hoard? Seeds. Whether you’re planting on your sidewalk, windowsill, or front yard, gardening will let you pass the time productively while adding healthy foods for your home.