Covid Gardening: Pandemic Sprouts Huge Growth in Greenhouse Popularity
Gardening Through Uncertainty
For many people gardening is a beloved pastime. Growing plants and produce is an unmatched feeling of reward! With the pandemic, more people have become interested in all of the benefits this hobby has to offer. Luckily for new and existing gardeners, this pastime has many perks that are especially beneficial in these uncertain times.
Three reasons greenhouse gardening is surging during the Covid pandemic
1. It’s convenient (no traveling necessary!)
A major reason for the rise in gardening during the pandemic is that more people are spending time at home. Work closures and travel restrictions resulted in people stuck at home with lots of free time. This led people to further immerse themselves in hobbies like gardening. Additionally, many gardeners finally splurged and bought their dream greenhouse so they could grow plants and food all year.
2. A greenhouse provides food security in uncertain times
As grocery store shelves were panic-raided during the Covid-19 shutdown, it became clear the food supply was fragile. These food shortages were a wake up call for Americans. There was a realization that self-sufficiency is more vital than perhaps previously recognized. Growing produce from seed to harvest allows people to be less affected by food shortages and insecurity. Knowing there is food in ones backyard provides a sense of security.
3. Gardening alleviates the blues
Another huge benefit from gardening is the positive impact on mental health. Mental health is especially important in these times. By getting outside, working with the soil, and nurturing plants, a gardener experiences many positive effects. One Solexx customer explains how greenhouse gardening helped with her seasonal depression by allowing her to garden in a brightly lit and warm environment year-round. She states, “Among the reasons I chose your greenhouse were the insulating and light diffusing qualities of the Solexx covering… I began to realize that my usual depression was lessened the more I worked in the greenhouse.” (see full testimonial here)
In a time when we are bombarded with news headlines, engaging in a hobby like gardening is so important for our wellbeing. Not only does it serve as an amazing outlet for mental health, it is also extremely convenient and useful to aid us through unprecedented times.
Tip: Some recommended food to grow in a winter greenhouse with little or low heat: leaf lettuce, chard, peas, beans and radish. The most popular foods grown in a greenhouse are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and greens.