Gardening is highly beneficial for a number of reasons. Not only does it encourage healthier eating habits but it can also help improve your physical and mental health.
The phenomenon of gardening being used to improve a person’s health is known as horticultural therapy. It has been widely recognised as an effective form of therapy for thousands of years.
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing benefits of getting out and starting your own vegetable garden.
Physical Health
Firstly, let’s dive into the benefits gardening can provide for your physical health.
Hand Strength
Working with plants is a great way to improve your hand strength and keep them as strong as possible for as long as possible.
Even though our Salad Tables don’t require any digging or dirt your hands can still benefit when you’re harvesting and caring for your plants.
Vitamin D
Just as your plants need sunlight to stay healthy, so do you. Getting outside for up to 30 minutes a day is highly recommended to ensure you are getting the required amount of vitamin D.
However, going outside can seem boring if you have nothing to do, that’s where gardening comes in. It’s the perfect outdoor hobby that will keep you entertained and busy while you soak up those sunrays.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin while you’re out there though.
Immune System
By growing your own fresh produce you will be more inclined to eat healthy foods. This in turn will help boost your immune system and make you feel stronger and healthier than ever.
Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and nutrients that help boost our bodily functions, such as our immune system to work effectively and help fight off infections.
Getting outside and active in the garden will also help improve your health and immune response.
Mental Health
Now, let’s delve into the mental benefits that getting into the garden can offer.
Stress Relief
Horticultural therapy has been found to significantly reduce many people’s levels of depression and anxiety.
Getting involved with a hobby such as gardening is highly rewarding and can help boost your self esteem. When you harvest your delicious and healthy crops you will feel a sense of accomplishment which can boost your mood.
Gardening is also beneficial as it can help reduce stress while you’re focused on tending to your fruits and veggies. Many gardeners also talk to their plants, this can encourage plant growth, but it can also allow you to destress and get things off your mind.
Build Relationships
Gardening doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Joining a gardening group or creating a community garden can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which we have all known too well during the past few years.
You can meet people via online gardening groups if you prefer to have your own home garden and share tips online, or if you prefer the physical connections you could investigate community gardens in your area.
If you want an easy gardening venture that offers all these benefits and more, then we can help.
With the Salad Table gardening has never been easier or more fun, with no dirt, chemicals, or experience required. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.
