Plant Parenthood during the Quarantine Period

Written By: Princess See
UTROS in Philippines Inc.

Plants are amazing living things that provide a lot of benefits to the world and humans. Plants serve as a source of food and oxygen. They also give freshness, calmness, beauty, and peace in the environment. 

During the quarantine period, one of the things that made people occupied and remain positive is plant. Varying classifications are either bored quarantines finding a new hobby to do at home or those people who were already into plants and were getting more supplies or gifts for their loved ones. The increase in the interest in plants was because of those who wanted to grow their own food at home or those who wanted to recreate their vision of nature while indoors since they were missing the outside nature.

Gardening can give harmony and inspiration. Plant parenting is not only effective in making homes attractive and decorated. Aside from the aesthetic purpose, plants also serve as good companions.

Want to jump start planting or just continue plant parenthood?

Here are some things you need to remember:

1. You can buy plants from local stores either in their physical store or online shop. Plant stores also typically have everything else you’ll need such as planters and pots, soil, and fertilizer. You may opt to be resourceful and use recyclable materials too.
   
2. Find plants that have the potential to thrive and flourish in your space. Make sure you check that your location can keep them growing or, at least, alive. To become a successful plant parent, you need to be honest with yourself about what kind of light you have in your area and how much time you are willing to spend caring for your plants.
   
3. Be mindful of watering. You must check your plant’s condition to learn whether you are watering enough, over watering or under-watering. Your plant may be suffering from moisture stress if the leaves are turning yellow. To determine if you are over or under watering, touch the soil. If it is wet and you have been watering a lot, your plant is over watered. If the soil is dry to the touch and you have been watering sparingly, it is under-watered. To do a simple remedy, change the schedule of watering the plants. Turn it to either water more frequently or less frequently than you have been doing before.
   

   Here are the instructions to follow on how to plant seeds according to the Bureau of Plant Industry:

   1. Prepare the materials. You will need recyclable containers, seeds, soil, Popsicle sticks, shovel, and a spray bottle.

   2. Label each plant pot with names using a permanent marker.

   3. Scoop the soil into the plant pot until it’s almost filled.

   4. Place the soil in some pot such as plastic bottles, egg trays, cans, etc.

   5. Using the other hand, pinch some seed and put them onto the soil.
       After that, push some soil over the seeds.

   6. Fill the bottle with water and use it to spray water to the soil.

   7. Using the labels, stick the Popsicle sticks in the soil of the pots with the plant’s name written on it.

   8. Lastly, make sure to take good care of the plants to make it grow into a healthy plant.

   Here are some indoor plants which you can try:
   
   Succulents – like Sansevierias, Aloes, and Haworthias genus. Based on studies, Sansevieria is a great air purifier. It absorbs excessive amounts of carbon monoxide and filters toxins that build up the air at home. It also releases oxygen at night. Aloevera is a good purifier too. It gets rid of formaldehyde and benzene – chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products. Aloevera is also used to heal burns and relieve pains as it contains soothing, moisturizing, and cooling effects. It also helps hair growth, reduces dandruff and conditions hair and scalp.

   Nurturing edible plants is cost-effective without being inefficient. For edible plants that are simple to raise indoors, tomatoes and bell peppers are good choices. Having a pot of soil with a ray of sunlight on a windowsill, it can be ready to harvest in a few weeks.

   For families, planting could be a great bonding activity. Parents and kids can learn about nature and agriculture together. Furthermore, planting could help the kids appreciate and realize the importance of growing food for their own consumption in the future.

   Planting is for all ages. Whether you are a ‘plantito’ or ‘plantita’, or even elderly, or youth or a child, you can be a plant parent. Although it is challenging to do plant parenthood because it will require time and effort, the result will surely be fulfilling and satisfying. Let us live life every day while taking each step slowly, experiencing different things at different times, growing little by little, and soon will be able to achieve our full-grown self just like plants!

Reference:

References:
Alpad, C. (2020). New plant lovers emerge from quarantine. The Manila Times. Retrieved from https://staging.manilatimes.net/2020/06/16/lifestyle-entertainment/life-times/parenting/new-plant-lovers-emerge-from-quarantine/732068/
Medenilla, V. (2020). Teach kids how to plant during the quarantine period. Monthly Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2020/04/05/teach-kids-how-to-plant-during-the-quarantine-period/
Mzezewa, T. (2020). Become an Indoor Plant Parent. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://nyti.ms/3dfgUog