Even with the snow still heavily on the ground, some of us are already looking to the 2026 gardening season with anticipation, reminiscent of the upcoming summer vacations of our childhood.
To that end, I have recently booked off a day last week and one this week so that I too can prepare for this upcoming gardening season. Even though the majority of the time those days were spent in my home, (a couple dog walks and MAYBE a little pickleball as well), the time was extremely regenerative.
Heirloom Tomatoes started 6 days ago, Organic Sweet Marjoram yesterday.
How does the thought of digging holes in the ground, the handling of soil, seeds and plant life change our very physiology? And better yet, why?
We may not have all the answers, but we do observe the following.
- For those who love to spend time with plants, even just the thought of the upcoming season fills the heart with calm and creates clarity of mind. It can be contemplative and even meditative in nature.
- Even without the grounding properties of being outdoors and touching the earth with our bare skin, handling soils, plants and seeds connects us to nature and exposes us to flora and micro-organisms that may have been missing from our environment for months. Many people have observed a positive effect from these factors.
- Gardening, and even preparing to garden, uses the creative portion of our minds, spirit and our brain. Often these areas are left unattended for extended periods as we manage the less expressive aspects of our day to day lives. Gardening can help balance the psyche.
For most people, gardening is an acquired taste. It seemed boring, pointless and even a chore when we were in our teens or 20’s. Every decade seems to add more nuance and joy to the activity.
Dr. du Quesnay is a long standing member of the Brooklin Whitby Garden Club, (formerly the Brooklin Horticultural Society). She is definitely NOT an expert gardener (see Durham Master Gardeners for that).
What have you, or will you, be starting from seed this year?
Let me know in the comments.
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