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Gardening is not a simple hobby. It requires time, commitment, and patience. However, the benefits are great both in the production of a beautiful garden or bountiful crops and for the gardener.
From sowing the seeds and planting the trees to more complex horticultural activities such as protecting your crops using fruit cages, floating row covers, and pesticides, there are plenty of different ways in which gardening can help you grow.
Physical wellbeing
During a lockdown, many people turned to the great outdoors to boost their well-being, and gardening was no exception as many developed their green thumb.
Gardening can be quite a physical activity, although it can feel effortless as you are not always aware that you are expending energy. From weeding to sowing seeds, these all require movement. As long as you are careful, gardening can help you to become healthier, but it can be a strain on your joints. If you spend time kneeling to dig, you may want to invest in some kneepads to protect your knees.
Reduces stress
It is thought that one in four people will experience a mental health problem in England each year, therefore it is vital that you find something that will help relax you and keep the stress at bay.
There have been plenty of studies that have shown improvements in participants’ stress levels when gardening, even if their garden was based on a small balcony. Whilst gardening, your brain can be distracted by nature and the activity you are doing, and this shifts the focus away from your stresses.
Community spirit
Many people see gardening as a solo activity, but that is not always the case. You may be able to connect with other green-fingered people on online forums about gardening. There is a treasure trove of information and top tips that are given by other gardeners. The Royal Horticultural Society also has a list of local gardening groups you may want to attend.
If you are one of the lucky ones and have an allotment, spending time there can help you to familiarise yourself with your neighbors and form bonds. You may be able to swap plants, ask for help and aid others in their quest for greenery.
Learning new things
Gardening isn’t something you can master and be perfect at. There is always going to be that one plant that doesn’t behave in the way you expect, or a change in weather that you weren’t prepared for.
By choosing new types of plants or testing out different techniques, there is always something new to learn. This can help to keep your brain engaged and focused on the task at hand. Being focused also helps to keep the stresses away and keeps you present at the moment and able to enjoy nature.
