2020 was the year when there was notable growth in gardening, and it looks like there are no signs of slowing as 86% of homeowners said they are planning to continue doing it until 2021 and the foreseeable future.
Besides being an outlet and a distraction from the pandemic, it has many benefits for the environment, especially if you make your compost for the soil, recycle plastic containers into pots, grow your food, and plant trees that absorb CO2.
Besides the positive environmental impacts of gardening, it also has many health benefits for gardeners.
So, if you’re a part of the American population who isn’t a part of the gardening trend yet, this might make you look for some gardening gloves and hand trowel and begin your new life as a gardener.
The Health Benefits of Gardening
When we say that gardening has health benefits, we don’t just meanhaving access to homegrown, organic fruits and vegetables.
That’s one of the end goals.
The gardening process itself has many health benefits, and here are some of them:
1. Gardening gives you some vitamin D
Sufficient exposure to the sun while working in your garden can be a source of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb more calcium, making your bones stronger.
Additionally, it can help protect you from heart diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and more. Just make sure you don’t forget to put on some sunscreen, okay?
2. Gardening can help you be physically active
Being physically active can lower the risk of developing certain diseases like dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, and more.It’s like you’re taking care of your health while doing a cool hobby.
3. Gardening can help boost your mood
Countless studies have proven that regular exposure to nature is good for your mental health.
A study conducted in The Netherlands concluded that gardening helps in boosting your mood more efficiently compared to any other activity.
In this study, the participants completed random stressful chores and chose between reading a book or gardening.
The group that chose the latter showed lower stress levels.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read. Of course, you can do both.
Gardening Pointers for New Gardeners
Now that you know more about the health benefits of gardening, it’s time to put your green thumb to the test and do some dirty work.
Here are some tips that we have for you to start your own garden in the comforts of your own house:
1. Decide what you want to have
The first thing you have to do is think about the kind of garden you want to have.
Would you like to have an indoor or outdoor garden, or both? Would you want to have plants for decorations, grow your food, or both?
Because different plants have different needs, from their soil, sunlight exposure, fertilizer, and watering schedule.
2. Choose the right spot
Most plants are like humans; they need sunlight to thrive better.
As noted by the folks from Sweet New Earth – the right amount and type of light your plants receive is essential for their growth, health, and production.
So, whether you’re growing an indoor or outdoor garden, make sure you put your plants where they will have sufficient sunlight based on their needs.
3. Recycle your plastic containers
You’ve probably been ordering a lot of food deliveries that come in plastic containers.
You should consider recycling them instead of just throwing them out. It could be the perfect pots for growing seedlings or your decorative plants.
You can even paint on the containers if you want to add some aesthetic.
If you’re considering having a pool fence and gate installed around your party or you have them already, you can place containers-turned-flower-pots on them.
4. Make your compost and fertilizers
It’s easy and organic to make your compost and fertilizers.
If you’re planning on growing your food, they can make your food healthier and more organic.
You can use spoiled food, fruit and vegetable peels, and eggshells to make the best compost and fertilizers.
5. Grow the right plants during the right time of the year
Knowing which plants to grow depending on the season might take some research.
Of course, not all plants will thrive during the hot and cold weather of the year, so you have to plan it right.
You can also start by growing some low-maintenance plants before going to the next level of gardening.
You Reap What You Sow
It might be a little frustrating at first when some of your plants don’t survive.
But don’t get discouraged.
We all have to start as beginners. In the next few years, you can become an expert at this activity.