Why Gardening Is Good For Your Health

Gardening is more than just a hobby or a way to beautify your home; it’s a great way to boost your physical and mental well-being. Here in New Zealand, with our stunning landscapes and unique climate, gardening offers even more opportunities to connect with nature and create something truly special in your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, spending time in the soil provides benefits that go far beyond the visual appeal of your outdoor space. 

But what exactly are the health benefits, and why should you pick up that trowel? Read on to understand how gardening is good for your health, mind, and soul.

Physical Health Benefits of Gardening 

Gardening may not seem like exercise, but don’t be fooled - it’s one of the most rewarding ways to stay active. In fact, it offers several surprising physical health benefits. Let’s take a closer look to see how gardening is good for your health.

1. A Full-Body Workout 

Raking leaves, digging trenches, or planting seedlings - these all add up to excellent physical activity. Gardening improves strength, flexibility, and balance, keeping your body agile and reducing the likelihood of injuries as you age. Yes, you’re burning calories too! Depending on the task, you can burn between 200-400 calories an hour while gardening. Who needs the treadmill?

2. Boosts Vitamin D Levels 

While you’re tending to your garden, you’re also soaking up some sun. Exposure to sunlight provides your body with Vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, a strong immune system, and lifting your mood. Spending time in the sun can also help regulate your sleep cycle and boost energy levels. Just don’t forget to slip on a t-shirt, slop on your sunscreen, slap on a hat & wrap on those sunnies  - the UV rays in our corner of the world can be a tad too enthusiastic, and protecting your skin is just as important as enjoying the sunshine.

3. Good for Heart Health 

Regular gardening offers more than just a beautiful backyard - it can also significantly benefit your health. Studies show that gardening can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The physical activity involved, such as raking, digging, and weeding, provides a gentle form of cardio that strengthens your heart over time. Plus, spending time outdoors and engaging with nature can reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. Who knew pulling out weeds could be so productive for both your body and mind? We'll dive deeper into the mental health benefits of gardening in the next section. Stay tuned!

Mental Health Benefits of Gardening 

There’s something magical about watching flowers bloom or vegetables sprout in a neatly tended patch of soil. Now, let’s see how gardening helps mental health.

1. Reduces Stress and Improves Mood 

Did you know some therapists recommend gardening as a form of therapy? It’s even gained popularity as "horticultural therapy." Whether it’s the calming effect of being outdoors or the satisfaction of achieving something tangible, gardening is a fantastic way to combat stress and elevate your mood. Studies show that spending as little as 10 minutes a day in your garden can significantly lower levels of cortisol - the stress hormone. 

2. Enhances Creativity and Focus 

The vibrant colours of flowers, the soothing scents they bring, the texture of soil between your fingers, and the way your garden takes shape all work together to spark creativity. Planning where to plant each flower or how to arrange your space isn’t just practical - it engages your mind, sharpening your focus and stimulating problem-solving in a calm, meditative way. It’s a simple yet rewarding way to connect with nature while giving your mind a chance to reset and create.

3. Positive Impact on the Brain 

Gardening engages multiple senses and has been shown to significantly boost cognitive function. The act of planting, nurturing, and observing growth stimulates the brain in ways that promote mental clarity and focus. Spending time in the garden can even lower the risk of dementia, providing both physical activity and mental stimulation that contribute to long-term brain health. Beyond these cognitive benefits, gardening teaches patience.

Observing the slow, steady changes in your plants fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the process - a valuable trait that is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced, instant-gratification world. It’s a rewarding practice that nurtures both the mind and the spirit.

Nutritional Benefits of Homegrown Produce 

Nothing beats the satisfaction of eating food you’ve grown with your own hands. It’s a perfect example of how gardening is good for your health.

1. Grow Fresh, Eat Better 

Vegetables picked straight from the garden are packed with nutrients, often offering higher nutritional value than store-bought produce that may have spent days in transit. Homegrown produce also keeps you mindful of what you're putting into your body - an essential step toward a balanced diet. 

2. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits 

When you see the fruits - or vegetables - of your labour on your plate, you're more inclined to eat fresh and healthy meals. The process of growing your food can also help encourage children (if you have any) to adopt better eating habits. After all, who can resist a carrot they pulled out of the ground themselves? 

3. Save Money on Groceries 

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune at the supermarket. With a little investment in seeds, you can grow a variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables right in your backyard. Kale, tomatoes, zucchini - you name it! The best part? It’s as fresh as it gets. 

Social and Community Health Benefits of Gardening 

While gardening can be enjoyed solo, it’s an activity that naturally brings people together. Below, we’ll explore the many ways gardening fosters connection and community.

1. Fosters a Sense of Community 

Joining a local gardening group or participating in a community garden allows you to meet like-minded individuals. Sharing gardening tips, surplus produce, or even just your love for a blossoming rose bush can form lasting connections. 

2. Group Gardening Enhances Well-Being 

Engaging in shared gardening projects has been shown to reduce loneliness and promote happiness. The act of connecting over nature has deep roots (pun intended) as a way to foster camaraderie among people. This highlights how gardening helps mental health by bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

3. Gardening for a Bigger Cause 

Communal gardens in urban areas often serve the purpose of beautifying spaces, providing access to fresh food for communities, or even creating habitats for local wildlife. Participating in such meaningful projects can enhance your own sense of purpose. 

Get Started Today 

Now that you’ve seen how gardening is good for your health, mind, and community, why not dig deep and start your own garden? Whether your green space is a windowsill garden or a sprawling backyard, the rewards of gardening are endless. 

Don't know where to start? At Growth Maintenance, we can guide you through your gardening goals. From garden maintenance and initial clean-ups to taking care of your garden while you’re away, our experts are here to help.

Contact us today for personalised support, and take the first step to a healthier, greener lifestyle! Discover for yourself how gardening can boost mental health and well-being.