It’s not surprising that gardening can be good for your health. Being out in nature is generally considered an antidote for mental health issues, and according to Psychology Today, gardening can help you reduce stress, develop a growth mindset, and be more present.  

At the moment, the COVID-19 pandemic has many of us stuck at home, and with pleasant spring temperatures, working in your yard or garden is a great way to break up a possibly monotonous day and release the tension you might be feeling at the moment. If you’re a hesitant newbie, there’s no need to worry, gardening is not a perfect art, and it doesn’t take much to brighten up your outdoor space. There are plenty of resources that can help you tackle certain tasks, like talking to an expert at your nearby nursery or finding easy curb appeal tips online. 

Let go of your doubts and embrace this chance to get outside and get your hands dirty. Your body and curb appeal will thank you. 

Use What You Have 

Our lives are currently restricted by social distancing guidelines, so don’t go out if you can avoid it. Find things that you already have and reuse or repurpose them into new objects: repaint pots and trellises for a new look, use scrap wood to make flower boxes or birdhouses, or recycle old jars to pot succulents. The internet has a wealth of information on how to turn something old into something new.

Don’t Get In Over Your Head

Now, if you do find yourself with extra time on your hands, take a step back before diving into big projects. Plan out what you want to accomplish to make sure you have the right resources to complete it. Don’t start anything you can’t finish or that might require professional help. Doing things yourself can be very satisfying, and there are plenty of DIY curb appeal tricks to help you out. 

Keep It Local

When it comes to planting, stick to what is best adapted to your space and resources. Talk to a gardening expert to find out what plants work best in the soil, climate and water conditions of your yard. Remember that you will have to keep up with whatever you add to your garden in the future. Planting the wrong type of flowers could require excessive resources and be a drain on the wallet.

Don’t Neglect the Hardscapes

Hardscapes are any space that’s man made, such as patios, porches, driveways and gazebos. They are not only an important part of how you live in your outdoor spaces but can also be a great way to liven up your home’s curb appeal. Think of ways you can spruce them up with potted plants, lighting, furniture or pavement for a whole different look. 

Live With the Wildlife

A healthy ecosystem in your garden will make it lusher and livelier, causing passersby to stop and admire your space. Again, talk to an expert to find out what plants might draw the sort of critters your garden will benefit from, such as butterfly bushes. Homes and feeders are also great additions to any yard and attract animals like bats, which eat mosquitoes, and bees, which pollinate flowers. 

Try Something New

Build a birdhouse, plant seeds instead of flowers, grow vegetables and herbs, take on DIY projects. This unusual time is an opportunity to try something different that could add color, life, and style to your curb appeal. You may just find a new hobby along the way.