Whether you’re already an avid gardener, have only recently got into some gardening when you get the chance (or when the weather permits), or haven’t started yet but would like to – we’ve got the perfect thing to help get you motivated for your very own gardening journey.
Did you know that gardening can provide mental health benefits, physical health benefits, financial benefits, as well as environmental benefits?
It really is good for both you and the planet! Gardening engages the body, stimulates the mind and uplifts the spirit – so it’s really no wonder that this is a popular activity for many people.
Did you know that pulling weeds and planting flowers can cause you to burn 200-400 calories per hour? As well as burning calories, gardening can help with mobility and flexibility, provide more vitamin D via more sunlight, encourages the use of all motor skills, as well as improving the immune system – these are just a few of the physical health benefits which gardening can provide!
When it comes to gardening and mental health, getting out and about in the fresh air and amongst nature really can improve your overall wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation’s online study from 2018, “51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed, and 61% reported feeling anxious.” That’s pretty shocking! Gardening can help to reduce stress and anxiety, helps to encourage people to live more in the moment, keeps the mind sharp and happy, promotes a good night’s sleep, as well as enhancing the sensory system.
Did you know that mature trees can absorb roughly 48 pounds of CO2 per year? With CO2 being one of the major contributing elements to the greenhouse effect, we really do need more trees and greenery around the world! Even if you can’t fit a huge tree in your backyard (as most of us can’t), helping where you can and growing what you can, will help make a difference – as even the smallest patch of grass or shrubbery might help provide habitat and shelter to some wildlife.
All set to grab your gardening gloves and get outside? Not only is gardening good for yours and your family’s health but an eco-friendly garden is beneficial to our planet as well. To see how you can get started, check out the below infographic by JD Williams. Even if you can’t have a garden right now, there’s also a nice little addition in the infographic which outlines which house plants you should have in each room of your home.