Seeds of Healing: How Growing Plants Helped Me Overcome Depression

 

A year before my beloved dog, Lara, passed away, I found a hobby that I never expected would become a source of hope and healing for me: growing plants. Funny enough, Lara was my biggest inspiration. Whenever I sat at the garden table to plant seeds, she’d always be right there with me, her tail wagging and her nose curious about whatever I was doing.

It all started on a day when I was feeling particularly bored and depressed. I had no gardening experience, but I stumbled across a YouTube video that explained how you can grow plants from store-bought fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes were one of the examples. With just one lonely tomato sitting in my fridge, I thought, Why not give it a try?

At the time, I didn’t have any fancy gardening equipment. No pots, no tools—just a handful of plastic bottles I had lying around and some cheap soil I picked up from the local supermarket. Honestly, I didn’t think it would work. But two weeks later, to my amazement, two tiny seedlings pushed through the soil.

For anyone considering growing plants in plastic bottles like I did, there’s one crucial tip: make sure you poke holes at the bottom of the bottle. This allows water to drain out properly and prevents the plant from becoming waterlogged, which can harm its roots. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference!

As the weeks went by, those little seedlings grew into strong, tall tomato plants that eventually bore fruit. I’ll never forget the way Lara would sniff the tomatoes with such curiosity, almost as if she was proud of what I’d accomplished. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I had a purpose. Nurturing those plants gave me something to look forward to every day, even when I was struggling inside.

Beyond just the joy of growing vegetables, my plants became an essential part of my Wiccan practices. I started growing herbs like lavender, rosemary, and basil—not just for cooking but also for spells, rituals, and bath blends. There’s something deeply empowering about using herbs you’ve grown with your own hands in a spell or adding fragrant, homegrown lavender to a relaxing bath. Each plant held its own magic, and tending to them felt like an extension of my craft.

Over time, my family noticed how much I loved gardening, and they gifted me proper gardening pots. I also started looking on free sites, and I was amazed at how generous people can be with what they give away for free. With these new resources, my garden began to thrive even more. It felt like the world was supporting my journey, one plant at a time.

Eventually, I invested in a cheap plastic greenhouse to expand my growing space. I made sure to weigh the sides down with bricks to reduce the chances of it being blown away in the wind—a simple precaution that made a big difference. That greenhouse became a haven for my plants, and it gave me a sense of pride knowing I had created a safe, nurturing environment for them to grow.

Later, I started collecting river stones to place on top of the soil in my pots. I’d heard they could make plants thrive by controlling moisture levels and preventing the soil from drying out too quickly. Plus, the stones offered protection against harsh sunlight, reducing the risk of the plants burning. Sure enough, my plants seemed healthier and more vibrant with the stones in place. It felt like another layer of connection to nature, using elements like river stones to enhance the magic of gardening.

When Lara passed, I was devastated. But I knew I had to keep going—not just for the plants, but for myself. Over the next summer, I dove into gardening even more. Watching my sunflowers grow tall and strong reminded me of how far I’d come. Each new sprout felt like a small victory, and every bloom filled me with pride and joy.

Growing plants not only gave me purpose, but it also became a daily routine. Plants are a bit like children in that they need regular care—watering, checking on them, making sure they’re safe and thriving. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to stay engaged, and it truly helped keep my mind occupied when things were tough. Plus, growing my own food became a way to save money. With the rising cost of living and food prices climbing, growing my own tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables cut down on the grocery bills significantly.

Even when space was limited, I made use of my windowsill in the kitchen. That’s where I first began growing my plants—right by the window, where they could get a little sunlight each day. It didn’t matter that I didn’t have a full garden. Even small, simple spaces can give you the joy of growing something, and that made a huge difference for me.

I also have two aloe vera plants, both full of pups that I’m letting grow alongside the parent plants. These aloe veras are not only beneficial for my skin and hair, but they’ve become another small source of joy for me. I keep them in the kitchen over the winter where they can stay warm and thrive. Aloe vera has so many healing properties, and I love knowing that the plants I nurture can also be used in my daily life.

In addition to the aloe vera, I have a beautiful chocolate mint plant in the kitchen. Its scent is absolutely gorgeous and fills the room with a refreshing fragrance. I also grow many spider plants, which are not only easy to care for but also provide a range of health benefits. These plants help purify the air and can improve the overall atmosphere of your home. Their greenery is soothing to the eyes and heart, adding life to any space.

Now, growing plants has become more than a hobby for me—it’s a way of life and a part of my spiritual practice. It’s not as difficult as it seems, and it’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that no matter how dark things feel, there’s always a seed of hope waiting to sprout if you give it a chance.

My advice? Start with two easy plants—tomatoes being one of them—and see if gardening is right for you. Try it before dismissing it as something you can’t do. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can develop a green thumb if you just give it a chance.

And yes, growing plants can stop depression. It worked for me, and if you give it a try, it might work for you too. And just like me, you’ll find that confidence growing alongside your plants. Plants are like looking after children—they need your care and attention every day, but they reward you with growth, beauty, and joy. Even if you’ve never grown a plant before, it’s never too late to start. If you can take small steps to nurture life, you might just find a path to healing and purpose, just like I did.