Benefits of Gardening

If you're looking for a new hobby or just a nice, relaxing way to spend your time, gardening and caring for plants could be that escape for you. Caring for plants in a backyard vegetable garden, container garden or just enjoying a nice floral display in general, gardening has many benefits and is a great activity for you, your family and your health.

Benefits

Exercise

It may not be as strenuous as weightlifting at the gym (except for lifting soil and mulch), gardening gets you moving and can help with stretching. Generally a low-impact form of exercise, gardening gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Nutrition

It is true that people who grow their own fruits and vegetables also tend to eat healthier and growing your own food also means it is always fresh! By planting vegetables, fruit trees, or seeds, you can improve your diet and gain the added benefits of working outdoors with your hands.

Stress Relief

Being in nature and gardening can give your brain the much needed rest it needs from all the screen time. With so much stimuli, we get mental fatigue, which can be a sign of depression. Studies have shown that gardening and planting is one of the least stressful hobbies and can help improve depression. As an added bonus, gardening also engages all the senses. So take a break from the news, Candy Crush, and Facebook notifications and get outside! Absorb some Vitamin D & get to planting!

BONUS: Bonding Time

If your time at home also includes having your kids home too, gardening can be a great learning and sensory opportunity. Take this time to bond with your family by teaching them how to plant seeds, vegetables, trees, flowers or whatever you'd like! Teach them why you chose these specific plants and how to take care of them. Your kids will benefit from playing outdoors and will ultimately reap the same benefits of gardening like you!

Gardening Types

With the above benefits in mind, start thinking about what type of gardening will fit your lifestyle the most.

If you like cooking with fresh herbs, growing an herb garden in your kitchen or back porch is a great fit. If a lot of color is your thing, consider adding bright colorful flowers in patio pots onto your porch or deck to dress up your exterior for spring and summer! If you're someone who loves to have fresh garden vegetables, try your hand at seed starting a variety of veggies for your fruit and vegetable garden.

The great thing about gardening is you can customize so much about it! Anything from the layout, whatever your growing, & where you'd like to grow it. Whatever your style of gardening is, get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and all the benefits that come along with it!