Spring is here, and that means gardening season is upon us. From rose bushes to fruit trees to everything in between, the amount of beauty that gardening can bring to your home is just as massive as the positive impact it can have on you and your life.

Gardening is a powerful and accessible tool that can improve physical and mental health. As the cold winter comes to an end, it may be time to consider taking up gardening as a new hobby.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out with a small pot of herbs, the benefits make it a delightful and healthy hobby for people of all ages.

The Physical Perks of Gardening 

Building your own garden is more than just planting seeds and watching them grow; it can also positively impact your physical well-being. From encouraging more exercise to increasing your vitamin intake and more, it comes with perks you may not even realize.

Gardening Can Get You Up and Moving: “The simple act of tending to plants, fruits, and vegetables every day involves various physical activities that promote fitness and overall well-being,” said Brendan Sullivan, PT, MS, FACHE, Director, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Chester County Hospital. “Digging, raking, weeding, and watering are all activities that engage different muscle groups, promoting flexibility while also building up your strength in different areas of the body.”

According to Sullivan, the aerobic exercise gardening provides may even burn the same number of calories as working out in the gym. Some activities like mowing, digging, and raking are especially good calorie burners.

“Gardening is considered a moderate-intensity activity,” Sullivan said. “Current recommendations suggest adults aim for 150 minutes of this type of activity throughout the week. Doing so can improve many areas of health, including your heart, bones, sleep, memory, and overall well-being. So, while you might pick up the hobby to beautify your backyard, it can also help you become stronger and healthier, just like your plants.”

Gardening Can Show You the (Sun) Light: Spending time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine while gardening allows your body to absorb vitamin D. This essential vitamin not only helps your bones absorb calcium but also plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system. So, plants aren’t the only things that benefit from soaking up the sun.

Exposure to sunlight might also lower blood pressure, which can decrease one’s chances of getting certain diseases. Managing blood pressure can lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, vision loss, and more. 

Gardening Can Bring a Delicious and Nutritious Diet Right to Your Yard: “Gardening can also encourage healthy eating habits if you plant your own foods,” said Maureen Boccella, MS, RD, CDCES, LDN, Manager, Nutrition and Diabetes Services, Chester County Hospital. “For instance, if you’ve planted delicious tomatoes or tended to your herbs in your backyard, you may be more likely to incorporate these fresh and nutritious items into your meals. Eating these fruits and veggies can provide you with a more balanced and healthy diet, which can encourage an array of benefits to your body like a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, better weight management and nutrition, and more.”

Gardening for Your Mind and Soul

If the physical benefits aren’t enough, gardening can also have a profound impact on your mental health.

Gardening Can Bring You Peace and Mental Ease: Engaging with plants and nature can be a therapeutic and calming experience, and many find it to be a relaxing escape from some of the stresses of everyday life. When your days get hectic with work, family, and other responsibilities, tending to your garden is one way to slow things down.

Spending time in your garden can also create a connection between you and nature, which can reduce stress and anxiety. The vitamin D that you take in from the sun while tending to your garden can also lead to an improved mood and better mental health, and increasing your exposure to sunlight can even help relieve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder that you may experience in the cold, dreary winter.

Gardening Can Help You Feel More Accomplished: Gardening can also lead to a sense of accomplishment and purpose as you watch your hard work and daily tending to thrive with the growth of your garden — big or small. This accomplishment can boost self-esteem, especially for young gardeners who may be discovering their abilities for the first time.

Gardening Can Help You Build New Friendships: Growing plants in your garden also provides an opportunity for social interaction, which is important for mental well-being. Whether it’s sharing gardening tips with a neighbor or working together on a community garden project, the social aspect of gardening can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. These connections can help combat feelings of loneliness and contribute to overall mental health and happiness.

Tips and Tricks to Grow Your Garden

If you are looking to plant your own garden, you may be wondering where to start. Below are some helpful tips and tricks to help you along your journey:

Do Your Research: Be sure to do your research to help guide you on how to garden safely. For instance, wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin and avoid sun damage, and use a gardening mat or knee pads to ease pressure on your knees.

Start Off Small: Before you fully dive into this new hobby that will require consistent time and commitment, consider starting with a low-maintenance plant like bearberry, sedum, or Foamflower to determine if you can give these plants the care they need. This can help you gauge what you’re able to commit to and how big you want your garden to be.

Connect With Fellow Gardeners: Consider joining a local club or organization to meet other gardeners who can encourage you along your gardening journey. Having these gardening companions whom you can consult while growing your plants can be beneficial, as they provide you with tips while also helping you grow your social interactions.

Have Fun: Realize that you don’t have to be perfect and may make mistakes along the way, but you should prioritize having fun while gardening above all else.  

This spring and beyond, picking up gardening as a hobby may be something worth trying for reasons you may not have even considered. It can build you up just like your plants. So, grab your trowel, throw on your gardening gloves and hat, and embark on a journey toward a healthier and happier life through the magic of gardening. 

Learn more about community resources to help you improve your mental and physical health at Chester County Hospital. Chester County Hospital is part of Penn Medicine and is dedicated to the health and well-being of the people in Chester County and the surrounding areas.