One of the unexpected results of the pandemic during the last year has been the increase of families in the yard and garden. As a matter of fact, according to a new survey released by Scott’s Miracle Grow, over half of the US population (55%) said they were growing their own garden or doing their own yard work since the onset of the pandemic. While these results show the rise of interest in the public producing its own food, other benefits include more time being spent outside. According to the study, 49 percent said they are spending more time outside since the onset of the pandemic.

On a local level, our office saw an increase in youth wanting to participate in gardening programs as well as calls from the public with gardening questions. While other activities have started returning to normal, such as recreational sports, we hope parents and youth alike have came to realize the benefits of spending time working together as a family in home gardens.

It’s not too late to start the spring garden with the family., Although we are still expecting cool nights, warm daytime hours with the slim chance of frost in the mornings make it an ideal time to plant spring crops such as squash, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and peas. The pleasant evening temperatures along with late sunsets will make spending time in the garden and yard enjoyable for the entire family. Be sure to look for articles in upcoming weeks of the Riverbend News as we continue to discuss the benefits gardening has upon youth and family.

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