By Michele Reger
Now that the danger of frost has passed, some of us are thinking about that first tomato, warm from the sun, that we’ll enjoy in the coming weeks. And yet, we can enjoy many other experiences in our gardens long before we pick that first tomato. Gardening is more than just a hobby. It’s a fulfilling and rewarding activity that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Life begins the day you start a garden.” With the wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits of planting and tending a garden, let’s explore how gardening nurtures our lives as we nurture the lives of the plants we tend.
One benefit of gardening is noticed in our physical health. Digging, raking, planting, and weeding require us to use various muscle groups and help improve our flexibility, strength, and endurance. Gardening is a good form of moderate exercise and can be an effective way to stay physically active without the intensity of high-impact workouts. Additionally, when we spend time outdoors, we are exposed to sunlight, which helps our bodies produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health and immune function. Our gut health is improved when we are exposed to microbes in the soil, and growing our own fruits, vegetables, and herbs nurtures an appreciation for fresh foods that benefit our physical health. Eating homegrown produce, whether from our own gardens or from a local farm, contributes to better nutrition and overall health.
Our mental and emotional health is positively impacted by time spent in our gardens. Maintaining a connection with nature–fresh air, sunshine, living plants, even bugs and birds–is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. The delight of watching seeds sprout, plants flower, and produce grow increases feel-good neurotransmitters in our brains, including dopamine and serotonin, and contributes to our overall sense of peace and safety. Gardening can put us in a mindful, somewhat meditative state as we focus on tending the plants as they grow, and we foster better moods and a sense of achievement when we pick ripe produce or smell the beautiful flowers we have raised. In addition, gardening can provide interesting problem-solving opportunities as we choose the right plants, plan the spacing, figure out how to nurture challenged plants, and learn by trial and error.
But what if we don’t have space for a garden? Luckily, many plants grow well in pots or containers that we can keep on our porches or decks, and we receive benefits from digging in a small pot of dirt and nurturing even a single flowering plant. And, if we don’t have any outdoor space for growing, caring for houseplants improves the air quality in our homes, gives us a sense of purpose, and connects us with nature indoors.
So, how does your garden grow? Whether you have a large backyard plot, a few containers on your porch, or a leafy green houseplant on a countertop, tending to plants is a satisfying and enriching experience. Embracing gardening means nurturing a healthy life—not just in the soil, but also in ourselves.
