You might have come across this recent article about Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia. He recently shared his biggest life lesson with students at the California Institute of Technology. During his keynote address, Huang recounted an experience from one of his international summer work trips in Japan. He observed a gardener meticulously working in a large moss garden at the Silver Temple in Kyoto. Though the gardener had a mammoth task of tending to the large garden on his own, his dedication and patience in being mindful of his craft taught Huang a profound lesson about time and commitment.

This story is a testament to the valuable life lessons we can learn from home gardening. Here are seven life lessons you can learn from the simple yet profound act of gardening.

1. Patience is a Virtue

To reiterate yet again, gardening teaches patience like no other activity. Each seed is created differently and takes time to sprout. Plants take time to grow, flowers take time to bloom, and fruits take time to ripen. In the world of social media and things going viral and a world that constantly demands instant results, planting seeds and growing them reminds us that some things cannot be rushed.

2. Consistency and Commitment

Doing the right thing every day is what makes a garden thrive. Watering, weeding, pruning, and fertilising are ongoing tasks that cannot be ignored. This consistency and commitment are essential in other areas of life too. Whether it’s your job, a relationship, or some personal goals, consistent effort over time leads to success and fulfillment.

3. Embrace Failure and Learn from It

As hard as it may be for some gardeners to accept, not every plant will thrive, and not every seed will sprout. Gardening teaches us to accept failure, learn from it, and try again. If a plant doesn’t grow, the gardener has to examine the reason like perhaps the soil was too compact, or the plant didn’t get enough sunlight. This lesson applies to life as well; setbacks are nothing but opportunities to learn and improve.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility

Monsoon is around the corner for most of the country and gardens are subject to changing weather conditions, pests, and diseases. Passionate gardeners learn to adapt and be flexible with weather conditions. They might need to move plants to a sunnier spot, adjust their watering schedules during the rain, etc. Life, too, requires us to adapt to changing circumstances and find new ways to overcome challenges.

5. The Importance of Nurturing

Gardening is all about providing plants with the right conditions to grow. This involves understanding their needs and caring for them appropriately. For example, fruit bearing plants like tomatoes and squashes will require direct sunlight while leafy greens like lettuce and kale can grow in partial shade as well. Similarly, in life, nurturing relationships, skills, and passions is crucial. Providing support, time, and care to the things that matter most ensures they flourish.

6. Connection with Nature

We are all well aware of the fact that gardening fosters a deep connection with nature. It makes us more aware of the seasons, weather patterns, and the life cycle of plants. This connection can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and give us a sense of peace and contentment. Spending time in the garden will make you appreciate the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.

7. The Joy of Harvest

So the ultimate reward of a kitchen garden is the harvest at the end of the season. Whether it’s vegetables, fruits, or flowers, the joy of seeing the results of your hard work is matchless. This also teaches us the value of delayed gratification. Working hard and being patient leads to rewards that are worth the wait. The satisfaction of harvesting your own beans or peppers or enjoying the beauty of blooming Dahlias or Lillies is a reminder that effort and patience pay off.

This article is not necessarily meant to teach you about gardening tips like most of our other articles. Just take some time away from those screens and understand how a humble plant that can not move can teach us so much about living life. From patience and consistency to adaptability and the joy of harvest, these lessons can be applied to all aspects of life.

Here’s hoping you get your very own thriving garden!