The miracle of gardening

Putting a seed in the ground and watching it grow gives us a feeling of the miraculous and connects us to the Earth, but the benefits of gardening go beyond those wonderful feelings. Gardening is good for both our physical and mental health:

• The physical movement involved in gardening, no matter how slight, is good for the muscles, including the heart.
• Filling our lungs with fresh air, even if it’s for a short gardening break, is particularly important if we work indoors all day.
• Absorbing vitamin D directly from the sun is extraordinarily beneficial.
• Gardening gives us a sense of escaping the pressures of life, a time when we can quiet the mind and enjoy our own private time, which are great ways to release stress.
• Studies have shown that gardening can increase self-esteem.
• Digging in the dirt with our hands can help reduce anxiety and increase levels of seratonin because of particular bacteria that live in the soil.
• Watching plants grow can be a great learning experience for children and is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family.
• Growing our own food is an inexpensive way to enjoy organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc. Even in a small apartment it is possible to have a potted garden.

Give gardening a try even if you feel you don’t have a “green thumb.” As with anything, start small, maybe with a single potted plant. Do it alone to enjoy private time, or as a family to foster feelings of connection.

And don’t get discouraged if a plant withers under your care; different plants do better at different times of the year. You will find a sturdy plant that will bring you lots of joy.