As long as I can remember, I watched my mom in the garden and absolutely never understood how she could find joy in that. It looked like seriously boring stuff! Now that I’m older (and I’d like to think wiser) I realize the many, many benefits of gardening. Of course, there’s the immediate thought that you can provide yourself and your family with nutritious vegetables and fruits as well as beautiful flowers to place on the table and in the house. But let’s dig a little deeper… (ha ha).
Benefits of Gardening
Being in the garden gives you many added health benefits. Here are a few:
- Gardening can build your self-esteem. It’s easy to get into gardening and feel like you don’t have a green thumb. But as you learn and as you plant more and more, the attitude can totally shift. Now, you are someone that’s capable of nurturing and caring for something well enough to bring it to life.
- Gardening is good for your heart. The actual physical activity involved in gardening will strengthen your heart. It’s tough to dig in that dirt, plant, and weed on a regular basis, but your heart will thank you!
- Gardening will boost your Vitamin D. Vitamin D increases your calcium levels, which is a benefit to your bones and immune system. Exposure to the sun and getting Vitamin D will help keep you healthy! Just remember, wear your sunscreen!
- Gardening can literally make you really happy. Sometimes, all it takes is some dirt under your fingernails to feel like peace and happiness in life. Being outside in the fresh air also never hurt anyone.
Take a page out of my book and give it a try. I never understood until I tried it myself. Some lessons are best learned by doing.
Written by GUADS student intern
Water, Water, Water!