One of the biggest health benefits of gardening is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety. Being outside in nature and getting your hands dirty can be a therapeutic experience, and the act of planting, pruning, and harvesting can be very calming. Plus, gardening is a great way to get some exercise and improve your physical health. Whether you're digging, weeding, or hauling bags of soil, gardening can be a great workout for your whole body.

But gardening doesn't have to feel like a chore - there are plenty of ways to make it fun! Try growing some unusual or exotic plants, or challenge yourself to grow something you've never tried before. You could also involve friends and family in your gardening projects, or join a local gardening club to meet like-minded people.

One of the best things about gardening is that it can also improve your cooking. Fresh herbs and vegetables grown in your own garden can add flavor and nutrition to your meals, and can even save you money on groceries. And speaking of herbs, some of the best times of year to grow them include spring and summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. Some popular herbs to grow include basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint.

When it comes to vegetables, the best time to start growing depends on where you live and what you want to grow. In general, cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach can be planted in the spring and fall, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash are best planted in late spring or early summer.

Best Influencers in the UK to Follow

There are many influencers in the UK who share their gardening tips and experiences on social media. Some of our top picks include Monty Don (@themontydon), Alice Vincent (@noughticulture), and Alys Fowler (@alysf). These gardeners share their knowledge on everything from growing vegetables to caring for indoor plants.

Tools for Your First Gardening Kit

If you're just starting out, you don't need to invest in a lot of fancy equipment. Some basic tools that you'll need include a trowel, gardening gloves, pruners, and a watering can. These can be found at most garden centres or hardware stores.

Places to Purchase Window Sill Gardening or Herbs

If you don't have access to outdoor space for gardening, don't worry. You can still grow plants indoors. Many garden centres sell window sill herb gardens, Window Fleur is also a great online company that deliver your first floral window display, which are perfect for small spaces. You can also purchase herbs to grow indoors from your local supermarket or online.

Best Time of the Year to Grow Herbs for Home Cooking

Herbs can be grown year-round, but some are easier to grow during certain seasons. Spring is a great time to start growing herbs like basil, parsley, and chives. These herbs prefer warmer temperatures and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

How to Be Sustainable with Gardening

Gardening can be a sustainable activity that benefits both you and the environment. Some ways to be more sustainable with your gardening include using organic soil and fertilisers, composting your food scraps, and choosing plants that are native to your area.

But you don't need a big backyard to start gardening - you can grow plants in window sills, on balconies, or even in allotment-style community gardens. If you're short on space, try growing herbs or small vegetables in pots or hanging baskets. And if you're lucky enough to have a garden, make the most of it by planting a mix of flowers, vegetables, and herbs to create a beautiful and functional space.

So why not give gardening a try? Not only will it help you stay active and reduce stress, but it can also improve your cooking and give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. And if you're looking for gardening supplies or inspiration, there are plenty of great places in London to check out, including Columbia Road Flower Market, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Happy gardening!