Gardening for Your Mental Health

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. – Genesis 2:8-15 (NIV)

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God made the earth and man-made cities. Sometimes those cities, while adding a great deal of ease to daily life, disconnect you from the ground which God made. A little time in the fresh air and green plants may be just a thing to help with the stress and challenges of man’s creation.

You don’t need to have a green thumb and acres of land to reap the vast mental benefits of tending to plants. The feel and smell of soil, the delight of watching leaves and blossoms come and go, can do wonders for your mental health. Research has also shown how gardening is good for the body as well.

A short list of the benefits of gardening are:
-Decreased loneliness
-Exposure to fresh air and sunshine
-Moderate physical activity
-Mood boosting
-Improved appetite and sleep
-Connection with the community
-Combats depression and anxiety
-Good for the environment

The Benefits of Dirt and Greenery

There are several reasons to take up gardening on even a small scale. Plants are natural air filters, putting out oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide. Breath is necessary for life, and filling your lungs with clean, fresh air is a gift.

There is a great deal of machinery in the world, and much of it pollutes the environment in some form or fashion. A little bit of appreciation for plants is a good place to start neutralizing your carbon footprint. You don’t have to become an environmental activist, just take small steps to care for the planet we live on.

Also, plants are part of our eating cycle. From feeding us to feeding the livestock that becomes meat. An attitude of gratitude for the necessity of plant life to human existence is smart to cultivate.

Being outside gives your body much-needed vitamin D, as well as some light physical exercise. Having your fingers in the dirt provides immune-boosting exposure for your body.

Houseplants

You don’t have to become the plant lady of your social circle, but you can benefit from even a couple of small houseplants. Plants don’t require nearly the amount of energy and effort that pets do, yet they can bring a great deal of peace and joy to your home.

Put a reminder on your phone to water the plant if you are fearful that you will forget it. Experiment with small plants at first, and learn as you go. A little greenery or a pot of lilies could be the perfect way to brighten up the days before the snow has melted away outside.

Visit a local plant nursery and talk to the folks there about the best house plants for beginners. If you kill it, just try something new. It is a forgiving hobby to take up. Not to mention, you might start making some new friends at the garden center.

Flowers

Flowers appear on the earth;
     the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
     is heard in our land.
– Song of Songs 2:12, NIV

The blooms and blossoms of spring are such relief after months of white and gray winter. Seasons could skip straight to green, but the riot of color that announces springtime gives a sense of celebration and renewal. Many of these blooms serve no purpose other than to provide rich colors and sweet fragrances to the previously gloomy season.

Buying yourself a bouquet at the supermarket is a small way to give some joy to yourself. Or instead of cut flowers, buy a potted flowering plant to enjoy long-lasting benefits. If you have flowers to share, brighten up someone’s day with a fresh bouquet from your garden to their home.

Some of the springtime blossoms will eventually turn into fruits.

Vegetables and fruits

The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:12 (NIV)

Whether you only have the space to grow one pot of tomatoes or can plant an entire garden of vegetables, the experience is rewarding. You will be able to enjoy the literal fruits of your labor. It will also increase your appreciation for the foods at the grocery store and farmers’ market.

Learning also to enjoy food in its season leads to better farming practices around you. Knowing that watermelon is the sweetest in July, and oranges the juiciest in January may take you on a journey of understanding the food cultures you live in. Fruits and vegetables are as diverse as flowers and provide a wide variety of nutrients to your body.

Herbs

A small window herb garden is an easy way to combine floral, houseplant, and food plants all in one. You grow seasonings for your cooking, often with some delicate flowers, which can be contained in a small space. What’s not to love?

A small pot of chives could be just the thing to add to eggs in the morning or some thyme for your roasted meats and veggies. The uses range from seasonal to medicinal and everything in between.

Visit Other Gardens

If having any kind of garden feels out of reach for you, that does not need to diminish your enjoyment of other gardens. Local parks are often the best way to enjoy the benefits of a garden, without the work. Walks and picnics in these spaces are excellent ways to enjoy the greenery and fresh air.

Perhaps in your neighborhood, some have wonderful gardens. Your neighbor could be willing to share from their garden, or perhaps share their expertise with you if you want to get started on your own garden. The outdoors is free to look at.

Native Plants

Learning about gardening where you live is important. Not all plants may thrive in the area you call home. Some plants may be considered invasive species. The local nurseries should be able to help you plan a garden that is going to be successful.

As you develop more understanding of the environment and climate, you can affect positive change with your gardening practices.

Gardening is Hopeful

By planting seeds, tending them, watching their growth, and then enjoying them you are learning to hope for a good future. Gardening teaches you to control what you can and let go of things you cannot.

No matter what the scale of your garden, and even if you kill a few plants at first, gardening is going to be beneficial to your mind, body, and soul. Consider talking to one of our counselors for more information on the benefits of gardening for your mental health. Connect with us today.

Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. – Luke 12:27, NIV