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.
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