During this period of social distancing, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. One of the best ways to do that is by exploring some rewarding activities that you can enjoy at home. For many homeowners, gardening fits the bill perfectly.

At a time when most of us are spending almost all of our time indoors, caring for plants is a way to stay connected to the natural world. Watching them grow can be a calming and therapeutic experience.

If you’re interested in developing your green thumb, here are seven ways to do it while you’re social distancing:

1) Browse online

Sometimes, half the fun of taking up a new hobby happens in the planning stages, which is where online shopping comes into the picture. If you’re looking to start gardening, acquiring the right seeds, plants, and supplies is the first step. Fortunately, there are many Canadian companies that offer to ship across the country. Veseys and William Dam Seeds are two of the most popular options, and both offer a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plant seeds.

2) Fill out your landscaping

It may not feel like it since you’re indoors so often, but spring is here—and summer is just around the corner. If you have a yard, now is the time to plan a vegetable garden, add a little greenery, or plant some flowers. The easiest way to get started is by looking for some online inspiration. Once you know which elements you’d like to include, create a rough sketch of your yard and start filling it out. One step at a time, you can create your own little oasis!

3) Opt for a container garden

If you don’t have a yard but still want to do some planting outdoors, container gardening is the answer. You don’t need a lot of space—even a small balcony or patio will suffice. There’s also no shortage of plants that do well in containers, as long as they get adequate sun and water. When you’re ordering pots, just remember that drainage is key. Without holes in your containers, your roots could get oversaturated and rot.

4) Nurture some houseplants

Houseplants can certainly liven up your living space, but their benefits go beyond the way they look. Indoor greenery is known to have a mood-boosting effect, and it can even help clean the air that you breathe. If you’re interested in bringing a bit of the outside into your home, start by learning the basics. Think about how much direct and indirect light you get through your windows, and choose plants accordingly. Then, do a bit of online research to choose the ideal food and potting mix.

5) Grow your own food

What could be better than vegetables straight from the garden? While growing food at home has always been popular, the idea is particularly appealing right now. If you’re one of many Canadian homeowners who’s tightening the purse strings during the pandemic, filling your crisper with produce from the backyard can help you save money. It may also encourage you to try out some new recipes, and even learn a related skill—like canning or preserving.

6) Add some flavour

There’s no better way to dress up your vegetable dishes than with a handful of fresh herbs. Think roasted potatoes with rosemary or caprese salads bursting with basil. The truth is, most spring and summer recipes will benefit from a generous sprinkling. Don’t shy away if you’re a novice gardener! Basil, oregano, and chives are all low-maintenance options, and herbs are pretty easy to grow in general.

7) Embrace the natural

Well-manicured yards tend to be high-maintenance, which is just one of the reasons so many homeowners are choosing more native plants. In addition to less upkeep, wilder vegetation tends to look more natural and attract the right type of wildlife. In Toronto, wild geraniums and harebells are both go-tos. If watching birds and butterflies sounds like fun, try embracing some native plants in your outdoor space.

If you experience boredom, restlessness, or stress while you’re social distancing, you’re not alone. Making the best of this major lifestyle change can be a challenge. Fortunately, developing a useful skill (like gardening) can help you make this period as enjoyable and productive as possible!