In the past, most people maintained their own vegetable gardens, fruit trees and even kept chickens or livestock. In today’s world, home gardens are an anomaly, and American health is proof of it. Time spent gardening is beneficial for your health in countless ways and should be taken advantage of by all Americans with garden space. Included here are a few reasons why gardening is good for you.
Improved Mood
Have you ever spent a day lounging under a shade tree reading a book? If so, you are already well aware of the advantages time spent outside can have on your mood. Spending time outside has countless mental plusses, beginning with the mood lifting benefits of vitamin D. Sunshine is incredibly healthy as long as it is absorbed in small doses frequently.
The time you spent gardening can actually help reduce your stress-levels and improve your life outlook as well. Many scientists have begun to realize that nature connects with people on a primal level and can help them feel balanced and realigned. Digging in the dirt can literally help you “get back to your roots” while leaving your problems on the surface.
Exercise
It is no surprise that time spent in the garden is healthy for you due to the exercise you will receive. Shoveling, digging, bending, pulling and tilling are all great movements in the garden that can help strengthen your arms, back and legs. With the average gardener spending roughly 5 hours a week in their patch, you may be able to avoid the gym completely!
Nutritionally Dense Food
Many food activists have begun to demonstrate concern about the nutritional content of our food. Due to overproduction on agricultural land, much of the soil has begun to be deficient of the nutrients necessary to grow healthy produce. What this means is, an agriculturally mass-produced head of broccoli will not have the same super food benefits as a well-maintained backyard garden head of broccoli.
The trick to growing nutritionally dense food is in your soil. Whether you subscribe to the lasagna method or prefer simple compost and garden soil, you have the capacity to grow nutrient-rich vegetables in your own backyard. Because you work in a small scale and can compost down much of your yard waste, you will be able to recycle vital plant nutrients into the next year’s growth, creating healthful, affordable produce.
Monetary Savings
And last but not least, the final benefit of gardening comes down to sheer savings. The average gardener, someone who has roughly 600 square feet of garden, spends 5 hours a week in maintenance and spends $60 a year on their habit, will reap a reward of roughly $600 worth of produce each year. This means you are saving $530, gaining exercise and better health, as well as improving your mood! In simple terms, gardening is a win-win.