Growing up in Philadelphia, I learned to garden from my mother, who helped me tend the tiny patch of land behind our row house. I’ve been hooked on gardening ever since, no matter what climate I’m living in.
Aside from growing my own food, one of the things I love most about gardening is its positive effect on my mood: Digging in the dirt has always brought me a pleasant sense of tranquility, and I’ve found it to be a great form of exercise.
I’m not alone in my experience. Gardening really took off last year with the additional time people spent at home during the pandemic—and there are many healthful reasons to keep it up. Increasing evidence supports the idea that gardening can benefit both body and mind.
For instance, some studies suggest that gardening may help prevent childhood obesity and age-related weight gain as well as improve sleep. Horticultural therapy, a professional practice that uses gardening to improve health, appears to be helpful for people coping with dementia, depression, and even the emotions surrounding terminal cancer.
Fortunately, you don’t need a large backyard to get the health benefits of gardening: A recent review of 77 studies found that just the act of gardening was associated with improvements in stress, anxiety, and depression as well as with increased physical activity and better blood sugar levels.
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Results didn’t depend on the size of the garden—or on having a garden at all. In fact, simple acts like planting seeds, taking cuttings, and even viewing gardens had healthful perks. Whether you’re overseeing your dream landscape or just trying to keep a houseplant alive, here’s how to boost your well-being.
1. Go for a walk
Research has found that taking short walks through a garden is more conducive to mental health than walking in a shopping mall. This is a great reason to step outside and explore parks and woodlands you’ve never been to, visit a botanical garden, or just stroll through a nearby greenhouse. To discover new green spaces near you, check out the American Public Gardens Association’s Gardens Map tool.
2. Bring the outside in
Some evidence suggests that in windowless spaces, houseplants can increase productivity and lower blood pressure. You can also take indoor gardening to the next level and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with what you raise: Try growing herbs or other small edible plants on a sunlit windowsill, porch, or enclosed patio.
3. Make it a team effort
I believe my lifelong love of gardening stems from that time spent outdoors with my mother, working together in the dirt. If you have the space, try cultivating a family garden. Or, tend a local school or community garden and connect with others in the process.