7 Reasons Why Your Garden Is Barely Growing:

1. Poor Soil Quality-  Nutrient deficient or compacted soil can hinder root development.

2. Overwatering or Underwatering-  Excessive watering saturates the soil, displacing oxygen and leading to root rot. Conversely, insufficient watering deprives plants of necessary moisture, causing stress and stunted growth. Utah State University Extension

3. Lack of Sunlight – Most plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.

4. Pests and Diseases – Insects, fungi, and bacteria can damage plants, impeding growth.

5. Inappropriate Plant Selection – Choosing plants not suited to your climate zone can result in poor growth.

6. Compacted Soil – Dense soil restricts root expansion and water infiltration.

7. Nutrient Imbalance – Excessive nitrogen promotes foliage over flowers or fruits, while deficiencies can stunt growth.

If you’re feeling stressed and wondering whether gardening might just add to your worries ? the answer is NO. Gardening doesn’t cause stress; it helps relieve it. While it has its learning curve, most people find peace, not pressure, among the plants.

Take Elisa, for example  a full-time working mom who felt overwhelmed balancing her job, family, and personal life. She hesitated to start a garden, thinking it would just become another chore. But one weekend, she decided to plant a few herbs in small pots by her window. That simple act  hands in soil, nurturing life turned into her daily reset. Instead of pressure, she felt peace. Instead of stress, she found appeasement.

There’s real science behind that feeling. Gardening reduces levels of cortisol — a hormone your body produces when you’re stressed or anxious. Lower cortisol means less tension, better mood, and clearer thinking. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who gardened after a stressful task experienced a greater drop in cortisol and a better mood boost than those who read indoors.

Fact: Gardening can lower stress by reducing cortisol, a hormone linked to anxiety and mental fatigue.
Source: Journal of Health Psychology

Hibiscus is renowned as one of the best flowers for achieving radiant, glowing skin. Often referred to as the “Botox plant,” hibiscus is rich in natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and antioxidants, making it a powerful ally in skincare.

 Why Hibiscus Works Wonders for Your Skin:

Natural Exfoliation: The AHAs in hibiscus gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting the regeneration of new, vibrant skin layers.

Enhanced Skin Elasticity: Hibiscus has a reputation for increasing skin elasticity, giving a stunning natural youth-boost. It inhibits the activity of the enzyme elastase, responsible for breaking down our skin’s precious elastin, thus helping to firm and lift the skin.
Green People

Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with anthocyanins, hibiscus combats oxidative stress, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use it at home: Mix hibiscus powder with honey or aloe vera for a soothing face mask. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water for a gentle glow.

Quick tip:
Hibiscus is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, making it an excellent natural option for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s natural glow.