As the virus crisis continues, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and your community. For gardeners, this can feel like a bittersweet time. We often find comfort in tending to our plants and tackling new gardening projects. Though some days can feel difficult, there’s still plenty you can do to stay connected to nature and nurture your garden. Here’s a two-week plan filled with meaningful gardening tasks to keep your spirits high and your garden growing.
- Pot Up Pansies
If you can safely visit a garden center, pick up some pansies or mini-pansies to pot up. These cheerful blooms can brighten your space and bring joy to others. Consider leaving a small pot on a neighbor’s porch to spread some cheer.
- Forage Edible Weeds
Spring offers many opportunities to forage for wild edibles. Dandelion blossoms can be fried for a unique treat, and wild mustard buds taste similar to broccoli. You can also gather violets for adding to salads. To learn more about foraging, explore resources like Weeds You Can Eat and Useful Winter Weeds. - Chit Potatoes
Place seed potatoes in a warm, bright spot to encourage sprouting. Exposure to light helps potatoes form dense buds and tough skins, which are essential for protection from pests and premature rot.
- Propagate Perennials
Early spring is the ideal time to propagate perennial plants. You can dig up rooted pieces from established clumps and transplant them to new areas or pots. It’s also a great moment to share plant starts with friends who’ve requested them. - Plant Herbs in Containers
Herbs like parsley, chives, basil, and oregano thrive in containers close to your kitchen. This makes it easy to harvest them while cooking and keeps your garden accessible, even if you’re short on space.
- Feed the Finches
As the seasons change, bird species come and go. Keep a platform feeder stocked with sunflower seeds or a finch-specific seed blend to attract new visitors. Alternatively, scatter seeds on the ground, where many birds prefer to forage. - Share Extra Seedlings
Even if you can’t host a plant swap, you can still share your seedlings with friends by leaving them in a designated pick-up spot. Be sure to label each plant and variety for clarity.
- Groom a Houseplant
Now’s a great time to give your overgrown houseplants a trim. Remove dead or damaged leaves, cut back any leggy growth, and rinse your plants gently with lukewarm water. A little TLC will leave your plants looking refreshed. - Prepare Potting Soil
On a sunny day, take the opportunity to refresh your potting soil. Mix last season’s used soil with fresh compost and organic amendments like manure or balanced fertilizer to create a nutrient-rich mix for new plantings. - Build a Simple Trellis for Vines
If you’re feeling crafty, build a rustic trellis for your summer climbing plants. Use twigs, bamboo, or any natural materials you have on hand. While you’re at it, start seeds for annual vines like sweet peas or morning glories.
- Update Your GrowVeg Garden Plan
If you use GrowVeg for garden planning, take some time to refine your layout and add structures like raised beds or trellises. You can also browse other gardeners’ plans for inspiration in the Garden Plans Gallery. - Tackle Invasive Shrubs
Channel your frustration into something productive by tackling invasive shrubs that have crept back into your garden. These persistent plants need constant attention, but removing them will benefit your garden in the long run. - Sharpen Your Tools
A sharp spade makes digging much easier. Take some time to sharpen your spade and other tools like weeding implements. A sharp blade will make your gardening tasks more efficient and enjoyable. - Start More Seeds
Keep your seed-starting momentum going by planting a new batch of seeds each day. Cucumbers, basil, and other warm-weather crops can be started now, ensuring a productive garden later on.
With these 14 tasks, you’ll stay connected to your garden and find comfort in the process, even in difficult times. Gardening is a powerful way to nurture both the land and your well-being. So, dig in, take a deep breath, and enjoy the time you spend cultivating your space.