Do you have a green thumb? Maybe you grew up working in the garden with a parent or loved one or perhaps gardening is a hobby you acquired during the pandemic lockdowns. Alternatively, you may not think about plants much at all! Whatever the case, now is the ideal time to consider the many positives associated with this pastime. The benefits of gardening are plentiful…and it is time to take a closer look at five of them. Keep reading to unveil some of the many reasons it may be a good idea to plant something special this season.
Benefits of Gardening – Why Now is a Good Time to Start
There is something of a gardening boom happening right now. This is a side effect of the pandemic. When people were unable to travel or leave their homes regularly, things shifted. Instead of spending money on outside entertainment (like travel, movies, and dinner at restaurants) there was a desire to improve the home. That led to an awful lot of new gardeners sprucing up their outdoor spaces and even bringing plants indoors. Though much of the world has fallen back into old routines, gardening remains popular. This may have to do with all of the emotional, mental, and physical rewards. Have you been feeling a little low? Are you searching for a special way to spend the spring and summer months? Right now is the perfect time to start.
Benefit #1: Gardening Can Help Ground You
Never underestimate the importance of being grounded. While there are many benefits of gardening to consider, one of the most important is establishing a connection to the earth. Some people like to get grounded by holding onto a crystal. Others prefer to walk barefoot in the backyard. However, there are countless ways to feel rooted. Gardening is one such example. Using your hands to plant something, move soil, remove weeds, or water some flowers creates a strong connection to mother earth. It also makes it easier to be present and live in the moment. So often we are looking ahead or are looking back. Gardening allows you to focus on the now. It slows you down and removes you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Benefit #2: You Will Get More Vitamin D
It is all too easy to stay shut away indoors these days. There is meal delivery, online ordering, and work from home opportunities. Those modern conveniences can be wonderful, but they can also result in a lack of Vitamin D. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. It can also increase resistance to certain diseases. When your vitamin D levels are low, you may feel sluggish or tired. So, pay attention to the signs and notice when you may need a little extra Vitamin D. The easiest way to make sure you have enough is to head out into the garden. All of that sunshine will be good for you…and your plants.
Benefit #3: Gardening Is Great for The Body
When it comes to the benefits of gardening, all of those physical benefits cannot be overlooked. The reality? Gardening can be a lot of work…in a good way. All of the bending, digging, and pulling burns calories and is good for your heart health. Maybe you have wanted to incorporate a little more activity into your everyday life, but you have been hesitant to sign up for a gym membership. Gardening is a wonderful alternative. It gets your heart pumping, strengthens your muscles, and is a full body workout. Garden for 30 minutes every day or so for improved health!
Benefit #4: You Can Eat Fresher Foods
There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only are they tasty, but they are good for you, too! Imagine how much better those fruits and vegetables will taste when they are picked fresh from the garden. Feeling inspired? Take a minute or two to think about your favourite foods and then choose what to add to your garden accordingly. Alternatively, you can always start with some of the easiest foods to grow. Some examples include: lettuce, green beans, radishes, strawberries, and blueberries. Get creative with your garden and try to grow foods that can be incorporated into your meals in the future.
Benefit #5: Gardening Makes You Feel Proud of Yourself
Want to feel accomplished? Hold your head a little higher? All you need to do is dedicate some time to the garden. Whether you are growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or are taking care of the grass in your yard, there is a certain kind of pride that comes with all of that hard work and dedication. These days, we are used to quick fixes and immediate results. Gardening, on the other hand, requires a certain amount of patience. Small actions done day after day can lead to noticeable results. For example, a beautiful flowerbed that makes your home look extra special or a red pepper that keeps growing and growing until it is finally large enough to eat. Take pride in your garden and before long, you will also take pride in your accomplishments!
The benefits of gardening are endless. It can reduce stress levels and add joy to your life. Whether you have a large yard, a small balcony, or single room, there are many ways to enjoy this pastime. All you need is a little dedication. Before you know it, your space will look more beautiful than ever. What are you waiting for? It is time to put that green thumb to good use.
