Why We Should ALL Grow Plants!

Hey there! I'm Lucas Summers, and I'm a professional horticulturist based in Central Florida. No, this post won't focus solely on gardening in Florida; instead, it's about the universal importance of cultivating plants in any living situation, regardless of budget or location. Even if you are an experienced gardener, I still suggest giving this a read to boost your love for our green friends.

Growing plants is an essential part of my life that I can't imagine living without. Every morning, whether I have work or not, I begin my day by having a look at my garden. I listen to the birds chirping, watch bees buzzing around my pollen-rich flowers, feel the grass and dirt beneath my toes, feel the warm embrace of the sun's rays, and reflect on the love I have for my garden.

In no way do you need to spend your morning this way, and some people just cannot. But growing plants is more than that; it is a great way to boost your mental and physical health while creating a habitat for our pollinating friends or cleaning the air in your house. For example, take this gorgeous Stoke Aster shown above; The positivity and joy of lush growth and vigorous blooming can do wonders for your health. Why not try it?

We are in an era of time where growing a plant or two or fifty can be the difference in people's lives. It can show you responsibility and the importance of plant life, and it can inspire a deeper appreciation for our Mother Earth and our role in preserving it for future generations.

Having a hobby like gardening fosters connections with others through the exchange of knowledge, stories, seedlings, and cuttings. These relationships create a sense of belonging, helping you and others create strong networks and deepen bonds. Adding greenery not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes a healthier environment and a sense of tranquility.

Above is a gorgeous Florida spring. My time in nature makes me appreciate my own plants that much more, and vice versa. My love for mother Earth and the things she creates (except mosquitos) is deepened that much more by every plant I own. It is such a good feeling, I can assure you it is worth every step it takes to getting your first plant to your fiftieth plant.

As our population expands, we are now more than ever clearing magnificent old-growth forests to make way for new subdivisions, apartment complexes, shopping plazas, and the list goes on and on. Globally, we deforest approximately 27 million acres of land each year, with 1 million of those acres lost annually in the United States. The growth of our species is inevitable and in no way am I saying that its okay to deforest to this extent. As individuals who purchase homes in these subdivisions, rent apartments, or own shops in plazas, it becomes our collective responsibility to transform these once green and vibrant areas into spaces filled with greenery and life!

What is one thing that we all love? Food! One of my passions is planning and planting food forests as I believe it to be a transformative choice for any landowner. But do not let living on a small acreage lot or in an apartment building deter you from doing this, everyone can grow something to eat wherever they live.

There are trees that can yield baskets full of fruit even at small heights, and balcony railing hangers make it possible to grow a variety of herbs while saving space. If you've ever thought it impossible or challenging to grow plants in your current living situation, think again—it's entirely achievable! Too much shade? You can grow micro-greens, spinach, lettuce, carrots, and oh so many types of herbs under such conditions. There are options for everyone, which is why I created this article—to inspire others.

At the end of the day, growing plants should be something you want to do. As I mentioned earlier, surrounding yourself with plants can greatly enhance your mental, physical, and social well being. In a world where so much of our time is spent working and on electronic devices, investing time in a positive activity like gardening can lead to a lifetime of happiness.

Need help getting started?

Feel free to reach out via email for any questions you may have on planting for the first time. Sending in pictures for plant recommendations is encouraged, we are more than happy to provide you with ideas! Here a few things to help anyone looking to get into planting some of there first few plants.

FoxFarm Ocean Forest

Garden Tool Set

Espoma Bio-tone Starter

Written by

Lucas Summers