There’s a primal satisfaction to the act of digging into the earth. It begins with the firm, cool resistance of the topsoil, a dense layer yielding slowly to the purposeful push of fingers or the sturdy edge of a trowel. As you break through, you encounter the surprising warmth and crumbling richness of the layers beneath, occasionally punctuated by the stubborn tug of a root. This isn’t merely about moving soil; it’s a sensory immersion.
In an age dominated by screens, constant connectivity and pervasive digital realities, this simple, grounding act embodies the internet’s playful yet profound directive to “touch grass.” While the phrase may have originated as a lighthearted nudge to unplug from online drama, its widespread adoption illustrates a deeper, often overlooked truth: our innate human need to interact with nature.
Feel the power of the soil.
A growing body of research supports the intuitive connection we feel to the natural world, emphasizing tangible benefits like stress reduction, improved mood and even enhanced focus. The act of caring for something living can shift our focus outward, reducing internal stress.
And experts agree. “When you’re gardening, there is the excitement of the accomplishment, but then also at the same time you’re dealing with failure as well,” says Ciara Bogdanovic, the owner of Sagebrush Psychotherapy in Los Angeles.
“So there’s life lessons to be learned; about acceptance, about learning and growing. Like if you try to amend the soil, or move the plant to a different part of the garden where it has more sunlight. In that sense, I think it mirrors the challenges that we go through.”
It can help improve your stress level.
Feel like you’re constantly running on empty? The garden might be your ultimate stressbuster. The rhythmic, repetitive motions of planting, weeding and watering serve as a form of active meditation, allowing your mind to quiet and focus on the present moment. Studies have shown that even short bursts of gardening can lead to a decrease in anxiety and an improved sense of well-being.
Colleen Culhane, the engagement manager at The Ecology Center, believes gardening can affect our mental state of being. While working at the 28-acre organic regenerative farm in San Juan Capistrano, she has witnessed the health benefits of connecting to the land and being present.
“Just from watching folks that come to The Ecology Center, often people say, ‘You step foot on this land, and it’s like your shoulders drop down.’ You’re breathing, it lowers your blood pressure. You just feel peaceful.”
It can help heal grief and trauma.
Gardening can also offer a unique path through sorrow. When emotions are overwhelming, the garden provides a place for quiet reflection and gentle action. The cyclical nature of growth, decay and renewal in a garden can be a profound metaphor for processing loss. The act of caring for something alive can also offer solace and a renewed sense of purpose during difficult times.
Barbara Lawson dealt with prolonged grief after her mother died of congestive heart failure. While going through therapy several years later, she completed a healing garden, where she was able to reconnect with herself and her mom. It was also the inspiration for the name of her plant business, Meet Me in the Dirt.
“It was in the garden that I met myself again. I was able to tap into who I really was at the core and reconnected with my mom,” Lawson says. “I had also gone through all of those things that I needed to bury and resurrect, and the dirt is what held what I could not.”
That experience affected Lawson so much that she decided to become a certified grief therapist. She also started offering grief workshops at her space in Redondo Beach, where she creates a festive atmosphere.
“It’s celebrating the bloom and burial,” she says. “All of those deserve attention, and they’re purposeful, so it’s allowing each of us to have access to those moments, and to not only focus on when things are all great and in bloom. But to also know that won’t happen unless you go through the burial period. It helps people to deal with change and transition a whole lot better.”
It can help with addiction.
The demands of gardening can be incredibly beneficial for those who are currently recovering from addiction. The responsibility of caring for plants creates a sense of purpose and helps establish a routine. The delayed gratification of watching a plant bloom can be a lesson in patience and perseverance.
Horticulture therapy, also known as garden therapy, is a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of one’s being — from physical and mental to emotional and social well-being. It uses the inherent connection we have with nature and the therapeutic process of working with plants as a means of supporting people on their sobriety journey.
Gardening activities require you to focus and stay in the present moment, whether you’re planting, weeding or watering plants. This promotes mindfulness, an important skill in addiction recovery that helps with managing cravings, processing emotions and resisting negative thought patterns.
It can help you feed yourself and others.
Beyond its therapeutic benefits, you’ll also receive the undeniable satisfaction of feeding yourself. When you grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, you’ll have access to fresh produce, which reduces your reliance on often processed supermarket alternatives.
Growing your own food also promotes healthier eating habits. Community gardens, including The Ecology Center, create social connections, resulting in the simple joy that comes from working together to cultivate abundance.
In a society that prioritizes convenience and ultra-processed foods, it’s difficult to know the origin of your ingredients. According to Culhane, “Even the fact of eating whole foods and just eating real food, that’s what our bodies are made to digest, and that’s where all the nourishment and the nutrients are. It’s the simple idea that eating from the land is what our body recognizes.”
It can help improve your cognitive function.
Gardening also provides a robust workout for your brain. Whether you’re planning the layout of your garden, troubleshooting pest issues, or remembering planting schedules, it engages your cognitive functions. This constant mental stimulation can help improve focus, attention and even decrease the risk of cognitive decline.
“When it comes to any sort of mental health issues, any movement and physical activity is certainly going to assist and resolve some of that,” said Bogdanovic. “Like stagnancy, that stuckness that can occur, that shows up a lot. But there’s that other aspect of connecting with the elements, connecting with the soil.”
It can help you connect with nature.
The ability to truly connect with nature can often feel out of reach, but gardening bridges that gap. By being immersed in our senses, it pulls us away from our thoughts and brings us into the present moment.
There’s an inherent magic in observing a tiny seed grow into a thriving plant that provides both food and beauty. This process can create a sense of awe and wonder, reminding you of nature’s resilience.
The feeling of rich soil sifting through our fingers, the way the earth smells after a rain, the sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine or ripening tomatoes, or the buzz of a busy bee — these are all immediate, tangible connections to nature. Often referred to as biophilia, this connection is vital for our health. It promotes a sense of wonder that can be lost in everyday life.
It can help boost your immunity.
Getting your hands dirty might be one of the best ways to fortify your immune system. Soil contains microorganisms, like Mycobacterium vaccae, which studies suggest can act as a natural antidepressant and even boost your immune system. Plus, increased outdoor time means more Vitamin D exposure, which is important for bone density and your overall vitality.
Culhane agrees. “When you’re working with healthy soil, that is incorporated into your gut biome. There’s actually a real benefit to interacting with the earth and the soil.”
It can help you move your body.
Tired of the gym? Your garden offers a full-body workout without feeling like a chore. In fact, gardening is referred to as the “hidden workout” because you’re so engaged in the task that you don’t always realize the significant benefits you’re gaining.
Digging in the dirt, planting seeds, capturing weeds and even carrying watering cans all contribute to moderate physical activity. It’s a low-impact way to be active and improve your overall physical health, which often leads to better sleep.
So, the next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, or crave a deeper connection to something real, consider going outside. Roll up your sleeves, put your hands in the soil, and discover the transformative power that lies in digging in the dirt. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.
Originally Published: August 4, 2025 at 11:20 AM PDT
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