Gardening may hold nostalgic associations of your grandmother in a sun hat, but there are a lot of reasons that college students should work on their green thumbs.
In a world of all-nighters in the library and Netflix binge-watching, outdoor activity is always welcome in a college student's life.
College can be very high-stakes, and consequentially high-stress, so some time outdoor getting your hands dirty can be just the ticket.
There are specific herbs you can grow, such as lavender, that have been proven to relieve stress and anxiety.
Other herbs that college students can grow, such as rosemary and mint, can prove to be cost-effective on a small budget.
Rosemary is an herb used in many basic recipes, and it can also be used to kick up the flavor of some of the more basic dishes in a college student's handbook.
Mint is incredibly easy to grow- the plants tend to take over containers and beds. Prolific and easy to care for, mint can be used to brew tea, or it can be chewed to soothe an upset stomach.
Tomatoes are incredibly easy to nurture, and tend to yield fruit fairly quickly. Homemade and cost-effective pasta sauce is just a step away.
Flowers are also a helpful addition to a college student's garden because of the simple light and color they can bring to a drab dorm room.
A college student might not have access to any kind of yard space, but there are many plants that can flourish in the partial light of a windowsill.
Caring for a plant can also assuage the way that students miss their pets back home. When students have something to care for, it can help take their mind off of their own busy lives.
Gardening in college can lead to more organic lifestyle choices, more fresh air every day, and maybe just a little more dirt under your fingernails.