By Judy Allen, Master Gardener
In years past, gardening was more of a necessity than a hobby. Grocery stores weren’t on every corner, and sometimes a person’s existence depended on what could be produced in the family garden. In more recent years, gardening has become a popular hobby. Interest in the hobby has increased, due in part to COVID. More time was spent at home, and an obvious choice was to garden. Enjoying nature’s sights and sounds can create a whole new world for the gardener.
There is evidence that digging in the dirt has some great health benefits, as well as providing healthy foods to the dinner table. Listed below are just a few.
Increased exercise: We all know that gardening can be quite physical. Sometimes, hard on the back and knees, but it keeps us moving. All the digging, weeding and planting, gets the heart pumping. Drink water and stay hydrated while working outside.
Sun has its benefits: Vitamin D can boost calcium levels. As adults age, bone density drops. Vitamin D can help. Wear a hat and gloves for protection. Too much sun can be a problem, so don’t forget the sunscreen.
Improved eating habits: When you harvest all those fruits and vegetables, it’s only natural that you want to try them. What could be better than fresh produce, straight from your own garden?
Reduced Stress: Yes, all forms of exercise can reduce stress, but gardening has some special benefits. You are spending time in nature, watering, weeding, harvesting. All these activities can provide a feeling of accomplishment and calmness. Are the birds singing? Can you spot a ladybug on a favorite flower? Grab your phone and take some pictures of all the scenes of nature. Why not listen to your favorite gardening podcast, or book while in the garden?
Building Self-Esteem: Wow, who knew? The success you experience when the seed germinates, blossoms and turns into a harvest truly does raise your self-esteem. This feeling of accomplishment is not just for gardening, there are lots of possibilities for us to experience. Maybe you will learn a new skill. Why not sign up for a photography or woodworking class. Maybe your interest is in ceramics, or writing. The opportunities are endless.
It’s a Family Affair: Gardening is great for the entire family. You can always garden alone, but are there children around that would love to help? Research shows that early exposure to dirt has numerous health benefits, such as reducing allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Possibly a senior citizen that has skills from times past would benefit from your company spent in the garden. Container gardening is especially good for seniors. Window boxes with beautiful flowers can brighten the mood of all generations, while being a joy to the person helping. There are many garden clubs that cater to all ages. Volunteering for a garden that provides produce to a food bank is a benefit to the gardener as well as to the person in need.
Happy Gardening!
