It’s that time of year that we make promises to ourselves that we may or may not keep! All jokes aside, as we set our intentions for the New Year, we often focus on things that will make ourselves healthier and happier with better habits.
One of the best ways to tackle a bunch of common resolutions? Get into gardening! Gardening is a hobby that contributes to that healthier, happier lifestyle–which seems to be the backbone of any good resolution. Here’s how gardening can help:
Eat Healthier.
Studies show that growing your own food results in eating more vegetables. Food straight from the garden is fresher, tastes better, and is free of processing. If you’re looking for a convenient way to have fresh produce, plan your food garden now. As you grow, you’ll learn about what foods are in season and get a chance to connect with where your food comes from.
Get more exercise.
Exercise is not just going to the gym! Gardening is an excellent way to get moderate exercise while accomplishing something practical. Lifting bags of mulch and mowing the lawn are just as effective ways to burn calories and build muscles as a trip to the gym. Plus, exercising outdoors is a great way to expose yourself to Vitamin D.
Reduce screen time.
Want to scroll less? Cover your hands in a layer of dirt! Gardening requires you to put down the phone and get your hands into something real. Change your morning routine from doom-scrolling to strolling along your flower beds to see sleepy bees and check out what’s in bloom.
Stress less.
There are a plethora of studies that suggest exposure to nature (even just paintings of nature!) can reduce stress and anxiety, and even reduce your need for medical interventions. In the winter, get up close and personal with your houseplants, inspecting their leaves for pests and topping off their soil with fresh compost. In the spring and summer, go smell some flowers, take some long looks at the trees, and decompress from the stresses of modern life.
Do something good for the planet.
Feeling like the world is spinning out of control? Want a significant way to make an impact on our local ecosystem? Plant native plants. Native plants help support pollinators like bees and all stages of butterfly life cycles, which in turn helps feed local songbirds. One of my favorite things is when a customer comes in to tell me about how effective their pollinator garden has been in attracting bees and butterflies. Not only are they making a difference, but the joy that rolls off of them is infectious.
Save money.
If you’re addicted to gardening, I won’t pretend like the hobby doesn’t take money. However, if you’re someone who eats a lot of takeout or spends a lot of money on fresh herbs, gardening may save you money. Adding an herb garden expands your ability to change up flavor profiles on your home-cooked meals and even your drinks. Simply walk out into the garden and harvest as much as you need, instead of having to buy a whole bundle of dill, for example. For the most cost-effective way to grow herbs, grab some seeds instead of starter plants.
Here at Colonial Gardens, we believe that gardening can be a force for good. Check out our garden resources and blog to get inspired and learn more about how you can improve yourself, your community, and the planet through gardening.