Ivy Korotzer
| Utica Observer Dispatch
Feeling stressed or tired? Gardening might be the perfect way to relax and recharge.
Spending time with plants has been shown to lower anxiety, lift your mood, and help you focus.
Here are five easy ways to use gardening to boost your mental wellness.
1. Start small. You don’t need a big yard—try growing herbs like mint, lavender, or basil in a sunny window. Small successes build confidence.
2. Get your hands dirty. Touching soil can actually release “feel good” feelings that help your brain relax. Plus, it’s fun to dig!
3. Soak up the sun. Just 15 minutes outdoors can raise your vitamin D levels and boost your mood naturally.
4. Grow something you love. Flowers like sunflowers or marigolds make you smile every time you see them. Watching them bloom reminds you that growth takes time.
5. Share the joy. Join a community garden or plant with a friend or family member. Connecting with others while you grow makes the experience even happier.
Gardening isn’t just good for your plants, it’s good for your mind, too.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.
Comments are closed.