Gifts of Gardening

I don't know if it's the case for everyone, but my garden has done very well this year.  Gardening gives me a great sense of satisfaction, especially when it's harvest time.  This year I have green onions, lettuces, carrots, beets, green beans, peas, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, black raspberries, and even a couple watermelon.

The most obvious perk of gardening is providing your own inexpensive source of healthy fruits, vegetables, and herbs which should make up the majority of our diet.  Even though your garden may not be "certified organic," you can know firsthand that your food is grown in healthy soil and free of toxic pesticides.  If you do need to spray (fruit trees, for instance), check into using natural, organic, safe pesticides instead of harmful chemicals.

Gardening offers more health benefits than just the fruits of our labor.  First of all, it gets people outdoors.  I have a pretty good tan going, and it's definitely because I sunbathe--it's my "gardener's tan."
Daily exposure to sunshine (for its critical vitamin D and natural light which helps set the body's clock) and fresh air is very important, but did you know how beneficial it is to have your hands and feet in the grass and soil?  When I head out to my garden, I go with bare feet and no gloves.  There are beneficial microbes in the soil as well as the fact that exposure to other microbes, bacteria, and "germs" in dirt actually strengthen the immune system.

 

There is also the benefit of directly connecting with the earth's energy...this is called "grounding" or "earthing."  Grounded.com describes it this way:  "Being connected to the Earth's energy helps bring us back to our natural electrical state which is vital to our health as we are electrical beings! Connecting to this energy and regaining balance is one of the keys to fostering optimum health. The Earth is quite possibly the biggest "anti-oxidant"; and when we touch it, our bodies are flooded with electrons which our bodies use to counteract free radicals or inflammation in the body. Grounding immediately equalizes your body to the same energy level as the Earth. This results in synchronizing your internal biological clocks, hormonal cycles, and physiological rhythms. The profound effect of Grounding can provide healing, calming and balancing effects on the physical, mental and emotional bodies."  Any time you have the opportunity to walk barefoot in the grass, dirt, or sand, you should take it!

 

If you don't have a yard large enough for a traditional garden plot, there are many creative ways to grow your own food--even in limited spaces like apartments.  Raised beds can be configured for just about any space--for instance long, narrow beds can be put along fence lines without taking up much yard space.  Container gardening is another easy, space-saving method to grow many plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.  I have seen many ideas such as using trellises, pallets, and bales of straw.  With a little research, you can find a solution for whatever gardening challenge you have.

 

Gardening can also contribute to mental health.  I enjoy weeding and working in my gardens as a stress-reliever.  Planning a garden and ordering seeds is a great idea in January and February to help beat those winter blues.  Not to mention the good feelings that come from spending time in nature and enjoying its beauty.

 

And don't forget the benefits for your kids--teach them how to grow their own food, and let them play outside in the fresh air, sunshine, grass, dirt, and mud!  You'll be doing them a favor.

 So, if you haven't already...get gardening!