Creating your own garden or growing a container garden can be the relaxing escape you need. Whether you have a backyard vegetable garden, plant in containers or enjoy flowers, gardening has many benefits and is a great activity for you, your family and your health. 

Benefits

Stress Relief 

Gardening and being in nature gives your brain a rest from all the emails, texts and social media notifications. With so much stimuli, we get mental fatigue, which can be a sign of depression. Studies have shown that gardening and planting is one of the least stressful hobbies and can help improve depression. As a bonus, gardening also engages all the senses. So take a break from news and technology, get outside, absorb some vitamin D and get planting!

Exercise

Although it’s not always the same as weight-lifting at the gym (except lifting soil and mulch), gardening gets you moving and can help with stretching. Generally a low-impact form of exercise, gardening gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Nutrition

Growing your own food means it will be fresh. People who grow their own fruits and vegetables also tend to eat healthier. By planting vegetables or fruit trees or seeds, you can improve your diet and gain the added benefits of working outdoors with your hands.

BONUS: Bonding Time

If your time at home also includes having your kids home too, gardening can be a great learning opportunity. Take this time to bond with your family by teaching them how to plant seeds, vegetables, trees, flowers or whatever you choose to plant. Tell them about why you chose those plants and what they can do to help you take care of them. Your kids will benefit from playing outdoors and will ultimately reap the same benefits of gardening like you!

Types of Gardening

With the above benefits in mind, start thinking about what type of gardening you'd like to do!

If you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, growing an herb garden in your kitchen or on your back porch is a great fit. If bright, colorful flowers are more your thing, grow your favorite flowers in patio pots to dress up your front step for the spring and summer seasons. For those that enjoy garden-fresh meals, try your hand at seed starting a variety of veggies for your fruit and vegetable garden.

The great thing about gardening is you can customize your layout and what your growing to your wants and needs. Whatever your style of gardening is, get out and enjoy the fresh air and all the benefits that come with it!

Wanting to grow herbs this year? Check out Herbs for Better Health. If you're looking to create more container gardens for your home, visit Container Gardening Done Right. Shop for plants, seeds, and all your garden needs in our online shop.