Why everyone is turning to gardening
Gardening has long shown to significantly improve both mental health and physical wellbeing. It offers a way to stay active, connect with others, and immerse us in nature. Whilst also enjoying the vibrant colours, soothing scents, local wildlife, and natural beauty it brings. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), making gardening part of your everyday life can:
Improve physical health – regular exercise is essential for overall wellbeing. Medical studies show that people who engage in consistent physical activity have up to a 35% lower risk of developing heart-related diseases. With increasing sedentary urban lifestyles, it’s more important than ever to spend time outdoors. Just 30 minutes of gardening can provide a workout comparable to yoga, boosting physical fitness while being enjoyable and productive.
Reduce mental illness – the covid-19 pandemic led to a rise in social isolation and anxiety across all age groups. Gardening supports mental wellbeing, helps maintain independence, and can even slow cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.
Boost your diet – growing your own fruits and vegetables encourages healthier eating habits and supports a whole-food diet. Homegrown produce is fresh, nutrient-rich, and can reduce reliance on processed foods, contributing to a better long-term health.
Protect the planet – gardening doesn’t just benefit you; it helps the environment too. Plants and green spaces reduce noise and air pollution, cool urban areas during extreme heat, and help manage excess rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding. In this way, gardens play an important role in addressing challenges linked to climate.
There are a number of resources that help support the above statement, please explore the following: