Spring is the season of new beginnings, and what better time than now to try out some new but old hobbies? These 8 charming old-fashioned spring hobbies are worth trying if you want to embrace slowing down and truly enjoy the season.
My favourite thing about spring is that it brings longer days, crisp, fresh mornings, and fresh blooms begin to appear in many places. After being cooped up for the winter, there’s an urge to dive into all the activities that make us feel relaxed and connected to nature.
Spring is the perfect time for tending to the garden (or learning how to garden), going for long walks, or simply enjoying the outdoors with a good book. There’s something refreshingly fulfilling about stepping back and appreciating these simple pastimes as everything comes back to life after winter’s quiet.
Let’s dive into these 8 old-fashioned spring hobbies!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
8 Old-Fashioned Spring Hobbies
1. Learn How to Garden
Spring is the perfect season to learn how to garden, just as our grandparents did. It doesn’t matter if you have a large backyard or a tiny apartment balcony. There are so many clever ways to start gardening.
Start by preparing your soil, sowing seeds, and nurturing young seedlings. These activities resemble old-fashioned gardening methods passed down through generations. Nowadays, you can pop into a store and buy pretty much any plant you want, from seedlings to trees, but learning how to start plants from seed is extremely rewarding and a very useful skill. If our grandparents can do it, we can, too!
Springtime is the perfect time to plant summer bulbs, vegetables, and cooler-loving plants. Summer bulbs include dahlias or lilies. Vegetables include cool-loving crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas. It’s the perfect time to start seeds for summer crops so they have enough time to grow, like tomatoes, peppers and corn.
Gardening Tips:
- Begin with easy-to-grow plants like lettuce, radishes, or herbs (basil, mint, and parsley). These grow quickly and require minimal effort.
- If you don’t have a backyard, grow flowers, vegetables, and herbs in pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes. Ensure they have proper drainage.
- Add compost, aged manure, or organic mulch to enrich your soil. Even for container gardening, mixing in compost provides essential nutrients.
2. Make Homemade Flower Arrangements
Life used to be lived very seasonally, but nowadays, you can pick up flowers from your local grocery store any time of the year. One way to fully embrace the season is to take advantage of spring’s fresh blooms by creating your own flower arrangements.
Arranging flowers is so much fun and really relaxing. You can find tulips (my favourite), bluebells, peonies, and daffodils in the spring, which makes stunning arrangements.
If you plan ahead, you can plant bulbs and use the flowers to make beautiful homemade floral arrangements!
Flower Arranging Tips:
- Combine flowers of different heights and textures to create a more natural, organic look. Pair delicate blooms like bluebells with sturdier ones like tulips or peonies.
- Add fresh-cut greenery (like eucalyptus, ferns, or even herbs) for more fullness and texture.
- Keep your flowers fresh for longer by changing the water daily and trimming the stems at an angle every few days. This helps them absorb more water.
3. Go on Long Relaxing Walks
With the weather warming up, spring is the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. Walking and exploring nature are classic spring hobbies that encourage you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
A popular old-fashioned spring hobby is to go on walks and birdwatch. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say they are going outside to look at birds! Have you? So, I’ve been trying it, and I have to say it’s a lot of fun. Not only have I begun to notice how stunning many native birds are here in New Zealand, but I’m now looking more closely at the plants and landscapes, too.
Walking Tips:
- Try exploring different trails, parks, or neighbourhoods to keep your walks interesting. Changing scenery helps you discover new birds, plants, and landscapes.
- Slow down, take deep breaths, and focus on what you see, hear, and feel. Notice the scent of blooming flowers, the rustling of leaves, and the warmth of the sun.
- Spring weather can be unpredictable, so dress in breathable layers. Choose sturdy, comfortable walking shoes to keep your feet happy on longer strolls.
4. Have a Picnic
As spring arrives, so do the perfect picnic days! Pack a basket full of homemade goodies, bring a blanket, and head outdoors to enjoy the gentle sunshine. A picnic is a simple, nostalgic way to enjoy nature while spending time with your friends and family (or by yourself!). Plus, the spring air is excellent for the soul after long cold winters.
Picnic Tips:
- Choose fresh, light foods like salads, sandwiches, and fruit. We love to take crackers, cheese, deli meats and fresh fruit!
- Bring a thermos of tea or your favourite cold drinks like iced tea or lemonade to stay refreshed.
- Don’t forget to pack a good book or a deck of cards.
5. Make Homemade Jam or Jelly
Spring brings lots of delicious fresh fruit, making it the perfect time to try jam-making. This old-fashioned hobby not only results in delicious, homemade treats but also allows you to preserve the season’s sweetness to enjoy later, just like grandma did. From strawberry jam to rhubarb jelly, there are so many yummy recipes to try!
This is a great incentive to get a small garden plot started – if you have a few strawberry plants, you’ll be able to make jam for a lot less money! (a huge perk if you’re interested in frugal living).
Jam Making Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavour. Try buying produce from local farmers.
- Make sure you have the right supplies, including jars, canning lids, pectin, and sugar.
- Remember to sterilise your jars properly and to use a canning-safe recipe like this Strawberry Jam by Ball.
6. Bake Spring Treats
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s the perfect time to dive into some good old-fashioned baking! Spring is all about fresh fruit, and it’s such a fun season to whip up some nostalgic treats. Try making zesty lemon bars, cookies with a light lavender flavour, and pies and crumbles with a yummy mix of homegrown strawberries and tangy rhubarb.
Using seasonal ingredients makes everything taste better and helps us appreciate the changing seasons more. It’s how people used to bake and cook back in the day. As you try out more spring-inspired recipes, you’ll pick up some new baking skills, making it a fun and rewarding experience!
Seasonal Baking Tips:
- Fresh, in-season fruits like strawberries, rhubarb, and citrus add the best flavour to your baking. Visit a local market or pick your own at a local farm.
- Skip the electric mixers and try mixing dough by hand or using a wooden spoon.
- Make extra pies, cookies, or crumbles and share them with friends, family, or neighbours. It’s a simple way to bring back homemade gifts and hospitality traditions.
7. Make Herbal Bath Soaks
Spring is all about fresh starts, and what’s cooler than making your own herbal bath soaks? Bath soaks are great for your skin and a nice treat for your mental health. Using natural, nourishing ingredients is great for you, eliminating any unnecessary toxins. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper! Try a refreshing lavender soak or a refreshing mint blend.
Bath Soak Tips:
- Use Epsom salts or sea salts as the base, and add dried herbs like chamomile, lavender, or rosemary.
- Combine with a few drops of essential oils for extra fragrance.
- Store your bath soak in glass jars and use a muslin bag to hold the herbs while soaking.
8. Foraging for Wild Edibles
Spring is such an awesome time to jump into the laid-back hobby of foraging for wild edibles! There’s just something magical about tuning back into nature and keeping things simple. As spring unfolds, you’ll notice all kinds of wild herbs, greens, and mushrooms popping up everywhere! It’s the perfect excuse to stroll around your neighbourhood, breathe in that fresh, crisp air, and uncover those delicious plants that are just waiting to be discovered!
Foraging Tips:
- Start with easy-to-identify plants like dandelion greens, wild garlic, or nettles.
- Invest in a good foraging book or take a local class to learn about safe and sustainable harvesting.
- Always double-check your findings with an expert before consuming them.
To Sum Up
As spring breathes new life into the world around us, it’s the perfect time to embrace old-fashioned spring hobbies that bring joy and fulfilment. If you’re tending to your garden, creating beautiful floral arrangements, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, these timeless activities will help you connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
