Ten Reasons to Garden
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My garden in winter, not very inspiring to get gardening. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)
Ten Reasons to Garden
It’s middle of winter and a good time to start planning my 2025 garden. Here are ten reasons why we all should garden:
1. Improves Physical Fitness
Gardening involves activities like digging, planting, weeding, and watering, which provide a full-body workout. It's a low-impact exercise that helps improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
2. Boosts Mental Well-being
Tending to plants has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Being in nature and engaging with soil can have calming effects.
3. Enhances Creativity
Designing a garden layout, selecting plants, and creating vibrant arrangements stimulate creativity. It’s a rewarding outlet for artistic expression.
4. Promotes Better Nutrition
Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs ensures access to fresh, organic produce, inspiring healthier eating habits and fostering a deeper connection to food.
5. Encourages Mindfulness
Gardening encourages you to live in the moment, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. It’s a perfect way to practice mindfulness and meditation.
6. Improves Air Quality
Indoor or outdoor plants help purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, making your environment healthier to live in.
7. Strengthens the Immune System
Exposure to soil bacteria while gardening has been linked to improved immune system function. Plus, spending time outdoors boosts vitamin D levels.
8. Builds Patience and Resilience
Gardening teaches you to embrace the process and be patient as plants grow and thrive. Overcoming challenges like pests or weather strengthens your problem-solving skills and resilience.
9. Fosters Community and Connection
Joining gardening groups or sharing your harvest with neighbors can build social connections and a sense of belonging, which are essential for mental health.
10. Creates a Sense of Accomplishment
Watching your plants grow and flourish brings a profound sense of achievement and pride, boosting self-esteem and happiness.
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