The Growing Trend That’s Blooming With Health Benefits
Spring is a time of growth, rebirth, and an influx of social media adds claiming to get you healthy quick and ‘summer ready’… whatever that may mean.
That said, what if I told you there is something safe and sustainable you can do this spring to improve your mental health and exercise at the same time?
You’ll have access to fresh foods and be able to spend more time with your family. I did mention it’s basically free, right?
If this sounds like the new hobby you’re after then it’s time to take up gardening!
Health benefits of gardening:
From a movement perspective, gardening is considered moderate to heavy exercise. Carrying bags of mulch, digging holes and pushing around wheelbarrows mimic resistance training that can lead to healthier bones.
Bending down to plant and prune can help increase flexibility and balance.
Working with your hands helps build up strength and dexterity, not to mention playing in the dirt can actually help boost your mood!
This is thanks to a friendly species of bacteria that activate brain cells to produce the chemical serotonin (also known as the “feel good” or “happy chemical”).
On top of that, gardening also helps lower your cortisol levels (the stress hormone in your body). From a mental health perspective, that’s a huge benefit!
All inclusive:
Gardening is something anyone can enjoy at any age! Getting the whole family involved can be a great way to unplug from screens and technology to reconnect with nature.
Teaching patience and watching plants grow from seed to something you can eat can be a huge accomplishment. To encourage the kids (or kids at heart) to get more involved in the care of your new plants, why not make a friendly competition?
My father used to plant one tomato plant for each member of the family and label them with our names. The first plant to have a tomato ripe enough to eat was considered the winner and get a small prize (plus bragging rights of course.)
The gift that keeps on giving:
If you have neighbours or friends who also have a garden, why not have a vegetable swap once your garden is in full bloom? Any extra veggies can be donated to local food banks, and at the end of the season you can save some of your seeds and have a seed swap for next year’s crops!
There’s a garden for every space:
If you have a back yard, it can be as simple as getting the soil ready and planting. Raised garden beds are also something you can easily make or purchase almost anywhere. If mobility is a concern, large raised planters are an excellent alternative to alleviate bending down and digging.
Short on space? Think vertical such as a mini greenhouse, shelving units or even large containers. These are great options for indoor gardening as well. Large windows that let in a lot of sunlight are great for starting up an herb garden. The options are only as limited as your imagination as far as design and space, and a quick google search of indoor gardening is sure to help you spark some ideas.
Fredericton even has its very own organic community garden with plots for purchase for the season. Prices range between $20-$40, and it is conveniently located near a bus stop and trail.
No green thumb and don’t know where to start? The library not only has tons of books on the subject, but they also offer free educational events AND have a “seed library”. With your library card you can select up to 6 packages of seeds, all donated from local sources. Greener Village, Scott’s Nursery, and Fredericton’s Botanic Garden all offer different events to help guide you into creating your dream garden.
Let’s grow together!
I would love to see pictures of your garden set up, what you planted and what you’ll be creating with those fresh veggies! Post your pictures to our facebook/instagram with the hashtag #growwithECC so I can follow your progress.
Happy planting!
