The Do's and Don'ts of Workplace Gardening

Hello people!

I always prefer to plan my vacation to a destination with more natural surroundings. I’m sure it’s not just me. Staying close to nature always makes one feel better, however brief the stay is. That’s the reason more companies and employees recognize the benefits of incorporating nature into the office environment and hence, workplace gardening is gaining popularity. With a wide range of benefits, such as improving air quality and enhancing employee well-being, workplace gardens can transform the workspace into a greener and more inspiring place.?

However, whether you have a small desk plant or a full-fledged office garden, it's important to follow certain guidelines for a wonderful workplace gardening experience. In this blog, I will share a few important do's and don'ts of workplace gardening:

Do:

• Choose suitable plants.

When selecting plants for your workplace garden, opt for varieties that can thrive in indoor environments with limited natural light and controlled temperatures. You don’t want to have a flowering plant where sunlight is absent. Low-maintenance plants like succulents, peace lilies, or spider plants are excellent choices as they can withstand varying conditions and require minimal care. Know more about how to choose the right plants for your office.

• Consider space and accessibility.

Assess the available space in your office and determine where the plants will be located. Choose plants that fit well without obstructing walkways or workstations. A wide foliage in a narrow space may not be a good idea. Additionally, ensure easy accessibility to the plants for watering, pruning, and general maintenance. This will help create a harmonious balance between the greenery and the functionality of the workspace.

• Provide adequate light.

Remember, there are NO low-light plants. Some plants can survive in “relatively low” light, but all of them prefer a good amount of light. Light is crucial for the growth and well-being of plants; it’s a bare minimum. Place your workplace plants near windows or under bright artificial lighting that closely resembles natural light. With a workplace with artificial light, it will help more if you expose the plants to bright indirect sunlight once a week. If your office lacks sufficient natural light, consider installing grow lights to provide the necessary light spectrum for optimal plant growth.

• Establish a watering schedule.

Overwatering is one of the most common gardening mistakes and I will continue to stress upon this as long as I can, but more plants die of overwatering than underwatering. Maintain a regular watering schedule based on the moisture requirements of your chosen plants and be mindful of each plant's specific needs. While you don’t have to follow a strict schedule, make sure you water only when the first few inches of potting mix feel dry. Also, try to use room temperature water.

• Encourage employee involvement.

This one isn’t a strict do, but it will lead to better gardening outcomes. Workplace gardening can be a collaborative and engaging activity. Encourage employees to participate by creating a gardening committee or assigning responsibilities to interested individuals. This fosters a sense of ownership, collaboration, and shared experiences among colleagues. Organise educational sessions or workshops to help employees learn more about plant care and gardening techniques.

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Don’t:

• Overcrowd the workspace.

While incorporating plants into the workspace is beneficial, it's important not to overdo it. While in the case of plants, more looks better, the workplace isn’t meant for it, primarily. So, avoid overcrowding the area with too many plants, as it can create a cluttered and overwhelming environment. Maintain a balanced distribution of plants to preserve a comfortable and functional workspace for employees.

• Neglect maintenance.

Plants live and breathe and they need care and maintenance too. Regular maintenance is crucial for the health and longevity of workplace plants. Don't neglect plant care, as it can result in pest infestations, diseases, or wilting leaves. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of pests or issues and address them promptly through appropriate measures such as pest control or pruning.

• Choose high-maintenance plants.

In a busy office environment, it's best to avoid selecting plants that require extensive care or frequent attention. Plants such as poinsettia, boston fern, orchids and fiddle leaf fig are beautiful, but they may become burdensome and difficult to manage at workspace. Instead, prioritise low-maintenance plant varieties that can thrive with minimal effort, allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of greenery without added stress.

• Forget safety considerations.

Safety should always be a priority in the workplace. Avoid choosing plants with thorns, spikes, or toxic properties that could pose a safety hazard to employees. Additionally, ensure that the placement of plants does not interfere with fire exits or obstruct emergency evacuation routes.

Quite importantly, before embarking on workplace gardening initiatives, familiarise yourself with any office policies or regulations related to gardening or plants.

A thriving workplace garden will contribute to a positive and inspiring work environment for all. By following these do's and avoiding common pitfalls, workplace gardening can transform your office into a greener and more vibrant space.?

Happy gardening at work! ??

Vikas