Health Benefits of Gardening

Gardening is not only fun and rewarding, it is also great for your health and mental wellbeing. Here's just a few reasons why gardening is so good for you.

1. Healthier Food

It’s a well-known fact now that fruit and vegetables start to lose their nutrients as soon as they are picked from the field. Store bought produce can be a couple of weeks old before you even have purchased it. The healthiest produce you can get your hands on is from your own garden! This gives you the ability to harvest as you need, saving room in your fridge and retaining as many nutrients as possible.

Homegrown produce is also great for your health as you can ensure that their growing conditions are optimal. Conventional agriculture often uses pesticides and herbicides and their residue can remain on the products you consume, whereas growing your own you have total control over what touches your plants giving you peace of mind that what you're eating is safe.

 

2. Mood Booster

Gardening is a productive yet relaxing activity that brings joy to many people. It may seem simple but there is something very rewarding about watching your gardening efforts pay off.

Green spaces also create a calming effect for the mind. Think of when you visit Botanic Gardens or Japanese Gardens. Simply enjoying something beautiful and organic is great for your mental health.

Studies have shown that exposure to plants and green space can reduce anxiety, whilst sunlight and digging in dirt can boost seratonin levels which may help you feel calm and focussed, further boosting your mood.

 

3. Community and Employment

Another important impact gardening has on your health is a sense of community. Gardening brings people together from all ages and backgrounds. A sense of community and purpose helps prevent feelings of isolation which can lead to poor mental health and depression. Reach out to your local garden club or community garden and join us on Facebook and Instagram to interact with other fellow gardeners!

Gardening also opens up many employment opportunities, it is commonly used in disability programs and prisons, teaching skills to lead to a job in the horticultural industry.

 

4. Physical Health and Exercise

Gardening can be a great method of exercise for all ages. Some activities like digging and pushing wheelbarrows can really work up a sweat! The Department of Health NSW recommends adults partake in 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity exercise per week with mowing the lawn listed as an activity. Even some brisk walking whilst you garden is beneficial, bonus points if you garden on a hill!

 

5. A Healthier World

Gardening for a healthier planet means a healthier you! Planting trees and other plants in your garden will help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere which will assist in creating a better environment for all. Planting trees also lessens the impact of the urban heat island effect in our suburbs reducing surface temperatures.

 

We encourage everyone to give gardening a go, if for no other reason than to look at what magic you can create with your own hands. You don't have to have a big space, or even an outdoor space to garden. Check out our other gardening advice articles for more tips on starting your own garden.

 

Grow your own Mood Boosters at home, check out the list of foods you can grow at home that will benefit your health. Read Mood Boosters article.