Benefits of Gardening

You may wonder, "Why should I start to garden?" The real question at hand should be, "Why shouldn't I garden?" Gardening can provide much more than adding beauty to your yard. Learn about the numerous benefits of gardening.

1. Gardening is healthy for your mind and body

Gardening is an excellent form of exercise. Besides obvious weight loss benefits, gardening has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and decrease depression. In fact, studies show that merely looking at a garden or plants can generate changes in such things as blood pressure, heart activity, muscle tension, and brain electrical activity. Through colors and textures, gardeners can invoke emotions of calm, tranquility, and happiness. Gardening is more than a feel-good pastime; it has evolved into a form of therapy for our body and soul.

2. Impact the environment

We always hear about the negative impact humans have on the environment, but by gardening, we can honestly "go green" to benefit the earth. Plants act as highly effective air cleaners, absorbing carbon dioxide, plus many air pollutants while releasing fresh oxygen and fragrance. Also, a dense cover of plants and mulch holds soil in place, reducing erosion and keeping sediment out of streams, storm drains, and roads.

By planting new gardens, such as rain gardens, we can make use of the rainwater run-off and help prevent harmful pollutants from making it in our streams and lakes. Native gardens, like rain gardens, are not only good for the environment they are low maintenance, beautiful, and comfortable on the wallet!

Besides being good for the environment, gardens have environmental gains for us. It has been proven that an effective, environmental landscape design can cool your home in summer and warm it in winter. Energy efficient landscaping can actually reduce your energy costs by up to 20%, according to the Plants for Clean Air Council.

3. Increase property value

A garden/landscaping design can be considered an investment for the future. A tastefully designed yard can add "curb-appeal" to your house and in turn, increase the overall value of one's home. Besides adding monetary value, a garden can help one sell their house faster than the average homeowner.

4. Growing green

A vegetable garden will ensure customers of the freshness and quality of what they are eating. In this day and age where pesticides and fertilizers are overused consider the comfort you will have when you know precisely what has touched your fruits and veggies! Plus a vegetable garden is a great way to gain responsibility and personal satisfaction.

5. Self-satisfaction

Gardening is truly becoming an art form. Planning, planting, and watching your own garden grow can fill a person with satisfaction and pride. Gardening is truly a lifetime hobby. The more you learn, the more proficient one gets, and the possibilities become endless.

So what's stopping you from starting your own garden? Start reaping the many benefits that a garden can add to your life. Now is the time to find your own reason why you should garden!