GREEN GUIDE TO GROWING THIS SPRING

There’s something very satisfying about growing your own food and plants and watching them grow from a seed into something you can actually enjoy. You don’t need a big garden, a greenhouse, or even much experience to get started. You can grow fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers from a windowsill, balcony, or even a kitchen counter.

At a time when food prices are still rising, and many of us are spending more time at home, growing your own is also a lovely way to save money and feel more connected to nature. It’s not about becoming fully self-sufficient, but about adding a few things that bring a bit of green into your everyday life, both edible and decorative.

1. Start easy

If you’re new to growing, herbs are one of the easiest places to start. Basil, mint, parsley and chives all grow well indoors with very little effort. Mint in particular is easy to grow – in fact, it grows so well it’s best kept in its own pot.

If you are planting something like lettuce, then a top tip is to plant a few seeds one week, and then sow some more a couple of weeks later so it doesn’t all grow at once. You can then pick leaves as needed, rather than harvesting everything at once, which means less waste and a constant supply of fresh greens.

2. Bring your home to life with houseplants

Growing your own isn’t just about food. Houseplants are an easy way to add colour, texture and calm to your home. Many help improve air quality, while simply being around greenery has been shown to reduce stress and boost mood.

If you’re just starting out, choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants, ivy or spider plants. They usually will survive even if you forget to water them now and then, and they thrive in various light conditions. Even one or two plants on a shelf or windowsill can completely change the feel of a room.

3. Make the most of small spaces

If you don’t have a garden, you can still have plants. A balcony, doorstep, or even a well-lit shelf can be enough. Vertical planters or hanging baskets can help maximise space, and old containers like tins, jars or mugs can be upcycled into planters… just remember to add a few drainage holes.

It’s worth thinking creatively, as even a bathroom with limited light can be a surprisingly good home for plants that love humidity like ferns.

4. Grow with the seasons and keep it simple

Spring is the perfect time to start growing.Tomatoes, spring onions and radishes are all beginner friendly food options, while plants like herbs and most houseplants will start to grow as the weather gets warmer.

Seed packets are still one of the cheapest ways to get started and often cost less than single potted plant from the supermarket and don’t forget to plant stock up on some pollinator friendly plants.

With houseplants, small starter plants or cuttings from friends can be an affordable way to build your collection.

5. Enjoy it!

Growing is as much about wellbeing as it is about food or decoration. Take a few minutes to water plants, check on seedlings, and notice them growing.

And not everything has to be perfectly, it is all part of the learning process. What matters is creating small pockets of green that bring a bit of joy into your life.

You don’t need a garden, lots of time, or even much confidence to start growing your own. Just a little space, a bit of sunlight, and the confidence to try. Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or a leafy houseplant in the corner of a room, those small touches of green can make your home feel calmer, fresher and more alive.