National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
“Planting a garden is more than just a hobby. It’s a forward-thinking step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life,” said Trinklein. “Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small suburban patio or a single sunny windowsill, cultivating plants provides a wide range of physical, mental and environmental benefits.”
From the therapeutic act of getting your hands in the soil to the nutritional rewards of harvesting your own food, gardening offers a unique intersection of wellness and sustainability, he said.
Trinklein explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.
Improved physical health
Gardening is an effective form of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise that can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and boost cardiovascular health.
- Good exercise. Tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and hauling mulch work different muscle groups. Thirty minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as walking 2 miles at a brisk pace.
- Enhanced dexterity. Handling tools and plants can help maintain hand strength and flexibility, which is especially beneficial for older adults.
- Vitamin D boost. Spending time in the sun while gardening helps your body synthesize Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and a strong immune system.
Increased mental and emotional wellness
Tending a garden serves as a mechanism for stress reduction, often acting as a form of horticultural therapy.
- Reduced stress and anxiety. Gardening lets you step away from computer screens and connect with nature, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Reduced mental fatigue. The sensory aspects – such as the smell of soil, the feeling of plants and the quiet of the outdoors – encourage mindfulness and reduce mental fatigue.
- Cognitive benefits. Regular gardening has been associated with a lower risk of dementia.
- Sense of accomplishment. Nurturing a seed from planting to harvest offers a profound sense of purpose and increased self-esteem.