Whether you're visiting a park during the Cherry Blossom Festival or taking care of your own garden, it's clear that gardens have a special charm. They make our busy, modern lives feel brighter and more peaceful. This is because we naturally enjoy being close to nature. But why is gardening so important to us, and how does it help the environment?
Here are the reasons.....
1. Why is gardening important for your health?
Gardening offers numerous well-documented health benefits, both physical and mental. One of the most evident is the benefit of spending time outdoors. Exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D levels, which support strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Additionally, gardening provides an excellent form of exercise—low-impact when tending to plants, but potentially high-impact when tasks like lifting heavy pots or moving wheelbarrows of soil are involved.
From a mental health perspective, gardening has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and serve as a therapeutic activity for those already living with the condition, according to research published in Psychiatry Investigation. This may be linked to the mental health benefits of simply being in nature. Gardens, as thoughtfully designed spaces, offer a unique way for individuals to connect with the natural world in a meaningful and self-directed manner.
2. Why is gardening good for your mood?
Many studies highlight gardening as a natural way to boost your mood. Personally, I always feel uplifted after a day in the garden. Even after hours of pulling weeds and planting vegetables, my mood is noticeably brighter than when I first started.
This improvement isn’t just about the sense of accomplishment—though that certainly helps. According to Quartz, several studies reveal that exposure to a specific type of bacteria commonly found in soil can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that promotes feelings of happiness and well-being, making gardening a therapeutic activity for both the mind and body.
3. You can grow delicious fruit and veg on your doorstep
Once you’ve tried a juicy, fully-ripe homegrown strawberry, still warm from the sun, you’ll never want to buy a plastic pack of them from the supermarket again. Quite often the tastiest and most beautiful varieties are only available if you grow your own, plus, you are reducing your plastic consumption.
4.Save money on your grocery bills and days out
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers can lead to significant savings, especially when you focus on high-value crops like berries, cherry tomatoes, and salad greens. Additionally, a well-maintained garden can become your personal retreat, reducing the temptation to spend money on costly outings when you have your own little paradise right outside your door.
5. It’s a great way to teach kids a range of subjects
Gardening connects to various aspects of the National Curriculum. It involves the math of calculating seed spacing and planting patterns, the physics behind how greenhouses function, and the chemistry and biology of soil composition and plant growth. Beyond science and math, gardens also serve as inspiration for art and offer insights into historical traditions and cultural practices.
