By Sam Foley
As winter comes to an end and spring arrives, growers everywhere are planning our plots and taking inventory of what we may need for this upcoming season in our gardens. Many of us are looking forward to being out in the sun and getting an increase in vitamin D. The winter blues are a real thing and what better way to break out of them than working outside in our gardens!
There are many health benefits to gardening. It’s a physical activity that can help keep one fit. Digging in the soil and working up a sweat is a great feeling! Watching our plants flourish and eventually harvesting our fruits and vegetables is extremely beneficial to our diets. There’s scientific evidence that getting one’s hands in the soil can greatly benefit our immune systems. For me, the biggest benefit of gardening is the positive impact on my mental health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, gardening can be a mental tonic that soothes mood, sharpens the brain, and can even fertilize relationships.
It’s easy to become caught up in the day-to-day hustle of our lives. Using gardening to connect with nature can decrease anxiety, stress, and even depression. In the garden we can become totally immersed in the day’s work of tending to our plants. Distractions can be set aside temporarily while we sow the seeds of tomorrow’s harvest. Gardening stimulates the brain through focus and memory; even just a quick 20 minutes have been shown to improve brain activity. Gardening can also be a social experience. I’ve recently spoken to two community garden clubs in our county, and the social network I’ve seen is inspiring. These bonds have been built over the years and it’s a great opportunity to stay in touch with friends. Also, what better way to be a good friend than to share your bountiful harvest?
For me, just writing these articles has opened so many conversations with local growers and gardeners. Sharing our experiences and ideas with each other helps build relationships and teaches us all to be better gardeners. Chatting with folks who bring in soil samples and discussing the reports puts a huge smile on my face. I appreciate everyone who follows along with my articles and look forward to hearing about how gardening has enhanced your life and well-being!
Learn More: Harvard Health Publishing
