Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow

COLUMBIA, Mo. – National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

“Planting a garden is more than just a hobby. It’s a forward-thinking step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life,” said Trinklein. “Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small suburban patio or a single sunny windowsill, cultivating plants provides a wide range of physical, mental and environmental benefits.”

From the therapeutic act of getting your hands in the soil to the nutritional rewards of harvesting your own food, gardening offers a unique intersection of wellness and sustainability, he said.

Trinklein explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.

Improved physical health

Gardening is an effective form of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise that can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and boost cardiovascular health.

• Good exercise. Tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and hauling mulch work different muscle groups. Thirty minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as walking 2 miles at a brisk pace.
• Enhanced dexterity. Handling tools and plants can help maintain hand strength and flexibility, which is especially beneficial for older adults.
• Vitamin D boost. Spending time in the sun while gardening helps your body synthesize Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and a strong immune system.

Increased mental and emotional wellness

Tending a garden serves as a mechanism for stress reduction, often acting as a form of horticultural therapy.

• Reduced stress and anxiety.  Gardening lets you step away from computer screens and connect with nature, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Reduced mental fatigue. The sensory aspects – such as the smell of soil, the feeling of plants and the quiet of the outdoors – encourage mindfulness and reduce mental fatigue.
• Cognitive benefits. Regular gardening has been associated with a lower risk of dementia.
• Sense of accomplishment. Nurturing a seed from planting to harvest offers a profound sense of purpose and increased self-esteem.

Nutrition and diet improvements

Growing your own fruit and vegetables ensures that you have access to fresh and nutritious food right outside your door.

• Greater vegetable intake. Gardeners are more likely to consume a diet high in vegetables and fiber, reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
• Better flavor and quality. Homegrown produce often tastes better because it is harvested at peak ripeness, unlike store-bought produce that may be harvested early and transported long distances.
• Safe, pesticide-free food. Gardeners have control over how their food is grown, allowing them to avoid the use of pesticides.

Environmental benefits

Gardening turns your living space into a “green zone” that helps the surrounding ecosystem.

• Reducing carbon footprint. Growing food at home reduces the need for transport, packaging and refrigeration; composting yard waste reduces methane emissions from landfills.
• Air and soil purification. Plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Their roots also help stabilize soil which helps to curb erosion.
• Supporting pollinators. Planting flowers and vegetables provides crucial habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Social connection and community

Gardening can bridge societal gaps and form connections, both at home and within the community.

• Intergenerational bonding. Gardening connects adults and youths through shared, hands-on tasks, fostering mutual respect and passing down cultural knowledge.
• Community building. Participating in community gardens allows neighbors to share resources, thus strengthening local bonds and enhancing neighborhood beautification.

“In short, gardening is an opportunity to create a living tapestry that reflects your personal style, supports the environment and provides a space for relaxation and enjoyment,” said Trinklein. “To quote the late Aubrey Hepburn, ‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.’”