Grow Your Way to a Healthy Heart

by KAYLENE LIM

Our hearts and minds can reap several benefits from gardening. Besides brightening our scenery, gardening is a form of light exercise that is able to strengthen our muscles and bones. Caring for your plants not only provides you with the satisfaction of planting and harvesting, but also waters the seeds for mindfulness which lowers your stress levels.

Now that you have understood the benefits of gardening, try growing plants of your own! Below are some starter plants you can try cultivating.

Gardening Tips

When gardening, there are a few things you should keep in mind so that you are safe when growing your plants!

• Do not garden right after eating a large meal.
• Avoid holding your breath when performing tasks that require effort.
• Plan your gardening schedule, particularly if you are recovering from a heart event.

Basil

Water: Water lightly every day
Sunlight:4-6 hours of sunlight
Shade: Direct sunlight in the morning or early afternoon
Harvest: 6-8 weeks for fresh leaves

This fragrant herb is rich in magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C and copper. It is a popular herb for homemade pasta sauces and as a garnish for soups and salads.

Lemon balm

Water: Water regularly every day
Sunlight: 5-6 hours of sunlight
Shade: Rotate leaves to face shade if leaves turn brown
Harvest: Anywhere from Jun – Aug

Known for its medicinal properties, lemon balm can be used to brew soothing teas, bring down stress levels that can contribute to heart disease, and be made into snacks.

Aloe Vera

Water: Water regularly every day
Sunlight: 6 hours of sunlight
Shade:Place under shade in the afternoon
Harvest: When the tips of its leaves turn supple

A natural remedy for wounds, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help minor injuries heal faster.

Kang Kong

Water: Water generously after planting for a few days and reduce watering slightly after the first week
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
Shade: Optional, prefers to grow under full sun
Harvest: 40-60 days after planting

Good source of dietary fibre and known to be rich in iron, an essential mineral needed by the body to produce sufficient red blood cells.

Pandan

Water: Water lightly with a spray bottle every day
Sunlight: Place under direct sunlight, but keep it under a shade if the weather is scorching hot
Shade: Ensure sufficient shade for the plant to keep cool
Harvest: July

Pandan leaves are versatile and can be used to make tea, flavour desserts and savoury dishes. They are also a good source of antioxidants that can protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals.

Butterfly pea

Water: Water frequently if weather is constantly hot and dry
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
Shade: Can tolerate partial shade
Harvest: 90 days after planting

Use as a natural food colouring to give your foods a vibrant blue so that they are more appealing and increase your enjoyment of the dish.