"As a horticultural therapist, I've observed five remarkable ways in which gardening has significantly improved individuals' health"
In the heart of winter, when days are short and nights are long, gardeners continue to tend to their plots, sowing seeds of hope and tranquility. This simple act of nurturing plants has been found to offer numerous mental health benefits, providing a beacon of light during the colder, darker months.
Gardening, it seems, is more than just a pastime; it's a powerful tool for stress reduction. Studies show that gardening lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, even with minimal outdoor exposure, which is particularly important in winter when natural light is limited [2][3]. Activities like sowing seeds or pottering in a greenhouse give a positive focus beyond oneself, promoting hope and lifting mood, which can counteract winter blues [1].
Moreover, winter gardening encourages mindfulness—being present in the moment—and patience, which benefits mental stability and self-esteem [4][5]. This mindfulness extends to horticultural therapy, where activities such as sitting and being mindful in the garden are incorporated [6]. The gentle physical activity involved in gardening also improves physical health and can enhance cognitive functions such as planning and creativity, stimulating both brain and body during months of reduced activity [2].
Community winter gardening can also reduce isolation and support social engagement, which contributes positively to mental health [1]. Gardening groups provide opportunities for older adults experiencing social isolation to connect with others, while local food projects receive produce from the community garden, giving gardeners an opportunity to give back to their community.
The community garden offers a safe and protected space for people to garden and socialize, making it a great leveller, bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultures to work towards a shared goal. For some, the community garden is a stepping stone for individuals navigating life's challenges or as part of their recovery [12].
The benefits of gardening for health and well-being are leading to its increased recognition as a part of healthcare. Horticultural therapy is now available in the UK through the NHS and social prescribing, and it's becoming more recognized in healthcare globally [11]. The American Horticulture Therapy Association is running a campaign to encourage younger generations to spend more time outdoors.
The author, having worked as an occupational therapist, found gardening to be a key part of their cancer recovery, both physically and psychologically. The author's community garden is often used as a space for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, such as sowing seeds or planting spring bulbs, providing an opportunity to focus on something hopeful and uplifting.
Growing one's own produce also provides access to fresh vegetables and fruits, supporting healthy eating. Children attending gardening sessions are observed to eat and try new fruits and vegetables, while the teenage gardening group encourages mobile phone use to be put away, allowing hands to immerse in the healing properties of soil.
The potential benefits of gardening for health and well-being are undeniable. From reducing stress and improving mood, to fostering mindfulness and providing a sense of purpose, winter gardening offers a therapeutic, accessible way to maintain mental health through nature interaction, purposeful activity, and social connection during a season often linked to increased mental health challenges.
References:
- Mental Health Foundation
- University of Michigan Health
- Harvard Health Publishing
- American Journal of Public Health
- National Institute of Mental Health
- American Horticultural Therapy Association
- NHS England
- Butterfly Conservation
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- University of California, Davis
- American Psychological Association
- Garden Organic
- Studies advocate for the incorporation of gardening into health-and-wellness practices, given its beneficial effects on mental health, such as reducing stress levels and improving mood, backed by research from institutions like the Mental Health Foundation and the University of Michigan Health.
- Engaging in gardening activities, including sowing seeds or pottering in a greenhouse, can serve as a means of self-care, promoting mental health by providing a positive focus and offering mindfulness benefits, as demonstrated through research by the American Journal of Public Health and National Institute of Mental Health.
- Community home-and-garden projects, like community gardens, can provide participants with a supportive environment that encourages not only gardening but also mental health improvement, social engagement, and opportunities for giving back to the community, making it a valuable lifestyle choice, as evidenced by organizations like NHS England, Butterfly Conservation, and Garden Organic.
