World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day is on May 19 and in celebration of this awesome day, we bring you all the health benefits of getting outside into your garden.
Gardening is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, spend time getting a little light exercise in and spending time in nature, using your hands has great mental-health benefits too.
According to the article Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening, published in the medical journal Clin Med (Lond) available at the National Library of Medicine, research shows that there is increasing evidence that exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health.
Health Benefits of Gardening
– Sunlight lowers blood pressure as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the summer
– Working in the garden restores dexterity and strength and the aerobic exercise that is involved can easily use the same number of calories as might be expended in a gym. Digging, raking and mowing are particularly calorie-intense.
– Research shows that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels, making gardening a great practise for managing stress.
– Gardening can also act as a creative outlet, another boost for mental health.
– And, lastly, the fruit and vegetables that are produced have a positive impact on the diet – if you plant a vegetable garden that is!
If you need another reason to take up gardening, think about it as a family activity. Gardening can get the whole family involved! It’s a great way to spend time with your children, creating a sense of responsibility, ownership and purpose. Planting vegetables can also help educate your children about food and nurture an appreciation for what ends up on their plates.
For local planting tips, beginner gardening guides and supplies, click here.