Time spent in natural surroundings is good for our wellbeing, and gardening has the added benefit of providing a bit of light exercise at the same time.
There’s also the satisfaction of growing your own fruit and veg, if you have the space and the inclination.
Regularly working on a garden has been shown to:
- Reduce stress
- Improve mood
- Reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Increase self-esteem
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve strength and flexibility
- Increase vitamin D levels
- Improve sleep
- Improve cognitive function
For others, gardening has been found to help with dementia and to assist in overcoming addiction, providing a healthy and rewarding outlet for people’s energy.
Social nourishment
There is a social aspect for many gardeners, working alongside and sharing a purpose and interest with others at allotments or community gardens.
Many areas have projects aimed at improving mental health, combating social isolation or helping dementia patients via working with the soil.
And gardening is something you can do together as a family, getting kids (and grown-ups) away from screens and outdoors instead.
But for a lot of people, gardening just offers the chance to chat with neighbours or passers-by over the fence.
Gardening allows us to learn about nature, develop new skills, meet new people and — literally — enjoy the fruits of our labour.
