A SUMMER OF GROWTH: CULTIVATING HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH GARDENING

Since her “Gardening 1-2-3” class began on Zoom, nine urban gardens grown by people supported by LADD have sprouted. While Wendy grew tomatoes, Neil was harvesting cucumbers. Some people planted fragrant flowers to enjoy when sitting outside while others picked their own herbs to use in recipes. Each of the gardens different, but providing many of the same benefits.   

Gardening has long been associated with living a healthy lifestyle. If you’ve spent a day (or even an hour) planting or harvesting, you know the effort certainly gets you moving and breaks a sweat. It can increase your exposure to natural Vitamin D and improve dexterity. Homegrown fruits and vegetables can be richer in nutrients compared to store-bought and mass-produced vegetables, according to some research. And people who grow their own food have more control over the kinds of fertilizers and pesticides that come into contact with the food.

But gardening has come into the spotlight as a popular pandemic hobby not only for its physical health benefits but also its impact on mental health and wellbeing. The New York Times recently published “How Plants Can Help People Grow,” featuring TikTok star Garden Marcus. Stories in The New Yorker – “The Therapeutic Power of Gardening” – and on CNBC – “The world’s longest-living people share this hobby” – also overview the positive impact gardening can have on someone.  

“During a pandemic, when so many of the people we serve are confined to their homes, these gardens are even more important for daily mental health and give people the opportunity to benefit from the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors,” said LADD Health and Wellness Coordinator Kristin Harmeyer.

People of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, professions and yard sizes are giving it a go and finding that tending to these living organisms can provide purpose and promote mindfulness.   

“I’m highly anxious but it especially magnifies being indoors, so I really like being outside,” Jenny said. “Taking care of the earth makes you have a love for all creation, even if there are some moles that are a nuisance.”