Let’s face it. Gardening is hard work. You get dirty, sweat, dig, bend, lift, tug and pull to have that perfect garden. American Essayist, Charles Dudly Warner said,
“What a man needs in gardening, is a cast iron back with a hinge in it.”
So, are there any real benefits to growing petunias and tomatoes? Actually, there have been several scientific studies explaining the real-life benefits of getting outside and digging in the dirt!
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Being outside in the sunlight is good for our bodies. Sunlight helps our bodies manufacture vitamin D which is good for our immune system and some studies suggest it might help lower the risks of several types of cancer.
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Gardening builds muscle. All the digging and lifting strengthens our bodies. The exercise helps maintain a healthy weight. Also, all the hard work makes us tired and helps us get a good night’s sleep.
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Studies have shown gardening can help older people with memory loss and dementia.
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After spending a few hours planting flowers and pulling weeds, we look at our garden with pride and makes us feel good. A gardener is less depressed and less anxious after a day of planting.
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Gardening calms you down, and you experience less stress in your life. This might lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and may lower your blood pressure.
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Studies have shown gardening can help a person fighting or recovering from addictions.
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We connect with neighbors, our spouse and kids when gardening. Through the years, my garden has brought me into contact with dozens of wonderful people.
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There are many things in life we have no control over, but a gardener does have some control of the little patch of land they are working. This can give us a sense of empowerment.
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Growing vegetables results in a healthier diet and can save you money on groceries.
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Gardening is often beneficial for people suffering from chronic pain of arthritis. Keeping on the move is a good way to lower the pain.
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When you begin your gardening project, you think to yourself how and what you are going to plant, and this encourages creativity.
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Finally, and maybe the most important reason to be involved in gardening, is because it simply makes us happy!
