March means one thing—the garden is waking up. Time for digging, building, and getting things ready. But it’s not just about the work; my beloved gardening is also about balance. A mental cleanse, a way to slow down and be present. That’s why spending time in nature is also part of the Ease Zone, the coping mechanism card game from the StrategizeYOU(r)thJourneytoWellbeing project that I dearly use when I feel shaken.
Yes to Zero-Waste 
Nature doesn’t waste, so neither should we. Apart from the money spared, my creative side is hugely amazed by the handmade do it yourself options. So, this year, I’m focusing on DIY, low-cost, and upcycled solutions in my limited space. I am trying :
Hügel raised beds—Using logs, branches, leaves and compost from the garden to create nutrient-rich, self-feeding beds, surrounded by upcycled fence from old wooden planks.
DIY rainwater collection—Repurposed barrels and simple drip irrigation from old bottles – and hopefully a better distribution system.
Homemade plant supports—Branches, weaved wreaths from young twigs, solid sticks, and scrap wood instead of plastic stakes.
Seed starters from waste—Egg cartons, toilet rolls, old containers—whatever I can find.
Another new breeze flowing into my garden this year – inspired by permacultural planting methods and our NatureBasedEducation edu program from the GreenEdu project – I’m experimenting with
Vertical planting—Beans climbing sunflowers, strawberries trailing over raised beds, green beans climbing over regular crops and over vines.
Root depth layering—Carrots, beets and parsleys dig deep, lettuce and arugula stays near the surface.
Companion planting—Marigolds and nasturtiums keep pests away, basil makes friends with tomatoes but not with carrots, levander anywhere.. Did you know there is a whole branch on gardening around the companion planting? On it this year!
Gardening as my reset 
Spring isn’t just about plants for me—it’s about restarting myself too. After months indoors, sun-less mostly, there’s something grounding about getting hands in the soil and feeling the season shift. My simple rituals:
Morning garden checks—A quiet moment to see what’s changing when I can get there with my morning coffee.
Soil under fingernails— Great to reconnect.
Herbal infusions—Nettle for energy, dandelion to shake off winter. (dried supplies from autumn ofc for now)
Sitting in the sun—Tea, a book, and just being there.
Spring is Here—Let’s Make the Most of It
As I build and plant, it comes clear to me – gardening isn’t just about growing food, it’s also about using what’s already here – materials, knowledge, creativity. And that’s what I love about it the most 
Have fun with your garden and springtime