At-home pandemic gardening tips from Ciscoe Morris

With warmer weather and Washington’s stay-at-home order firmly in place, many people are turning to gardening to pass the time.

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The Huffington Post reports some garden stores have seen up to 300% spike in sales since the pandemic began.

That being so, local gardening expert Ciscoe Morris says this is a perfect time to give it a shot, especially as we’re all looking for creative ways to connect with both each other and nature.

“If you’ve never gardened, this is your chance! You’ve got time, the nurseries are open, and they’re selling plants,” Ciscoe told KIRO Radio. “There’s something about that connection when you’re growing a plant [and] tending it — that connection to the earth is something we all need so bad.”

Basic seeds and supplies can be found at most grocery stores, and if you plant a vegetable garden now, he estimates you should have food ready to eat in about a month.

For those without access to balconies or a yard, you can still garden inside, using a pot.

He says others greens, like basil and spinach, can also thrive inside.

“Lettuce will grow really well in your house, and you can tell people it’s some kind of exotic houseplant,” he joked.

It can also be a great way to keep kids entertained while they’re out of school.

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“Kids are just amazed when they see a plant grow up — they learn a ton,” Ciscoe pointed out. “I used to take my nieces and nephew; we’d go to a nursery, I’d say ‘OK look, you guys pick out plants, you’re each going to do your own pot.’ They loved it.”

Beyond that, Ciscoe says gardening can also be a wonderful way to relieve stress during the pandemic.

“You’re not going to be thinking about anything but how much fun you’re having out in that garden. [It] totally gets your mind off worrisome things,” he promised.