Spring will soon be upon us. The sun will be shining bright and students will be rushing out to bask in the sunshine. To take full advantage of it though, you should think about adding something that really can catch some rays, gardens.

Gardening In Small Spaces:

1. Container Gardening: Whether it be on your balcony, window sill or in your kitchen, containers are a simple way to grow vegetables. Use a pot with drainage holes. If you are concerned about water dripping through, double pot it. Use a good potting soil, one that contains perlite and allows for good drainage.
2. Vertical Gardening: When you want to take your container to the next level? Go up! This style works great on balconies. Modify an old ladder, make a macrame hanger or just nail some pots to a 2×4. This strategy will multiple your grow area.
3. Square Foot Gardening: This is a popular new trend, and a great way to take advantage of a small plot in a community garden or in a small backyard. Instead of planting in rows, divide the plot into square foot sections. Plant a different variety in each, alternating heights and densities to make sure light will reach all your plants. This will give you a lush, high yield garden.

How to Choose What to Grow:

1. Grow what you love. Nothing will get you more excited about watering your plants than picturing those beautiful ripe strawberries or heirloom tomatoes if that’s your jam.
2. Take advantage of your kitchen scraps. Many foods, like carrot, potato, celery, lettuce, onions, and lettuce can be grown from the rooting ends you cut off when making dinner. Throw these in a glass of water for a couple of weeks and they will sprout! Transplant them for more of your favourite veggies, without having to go buy seeds.
3. Choose according to your light levels and when you want to plant. Many sites online will have schedules and guidelines on how to get the most out of your plant. Pick those that will be happiest in your garden situation.

The Benefits of Gardening:

1. Free food. Isn’t this what students are always looking for? The fresh fruit and veggies will be a nice change from the free pizza students usually covet.
2. Bragging rights. Imagine your peers when you tell them you grew your salad or invite them over for pancakes with homegrown strawberries on top.
3. Mental Health. Gardening has been shown to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, strengthen your immune system and promote brain health. This on top of the health of consuming the veggies themselves!

Whether it’s one pot on your windowsill or a plot in your community garden, gardening reaps many benefits (not just food!). Consider this as a cool way to soak up the sun this summer.