Does gardening help to improve you health

If you garden in a quiet neighbourhood where you can hear the birds and appreciate the wildlife, then gardening is good therapy ~
Fresh air, exercise, etc.

However, if you have neighbour problems and are gardening against a background of unpleasant noises and fumes, etc. then that might not be quite so relaxing.

So, yes, gardening can improve your health, but the location of the garden can be a major factor in the pleasure and benefit obtained from working on our flowers, shrubs and lawns..

I for got to say that I live in the centre of Aylesbury where there is lots of noise and building going on but I have [thankfully]some good neighbours and lots of wildlife as I live not to far away from a canal

I've become interested in gardening again after watching the "wildlife" garden programmes. I've forgotten how much I love gardening. And now I've bought lots of plants for the wildlife, I'm so excited about seeing what comes in. Already my new feeders have brought in lots of different types of birds.

So, yes, we're lucky that it's quiet where we live. But then again, if it was noisy, I could switch both hearing aids off!!! teehee!! Yes, it is beneficial on one's health and brings a real sense of achievement to the day. It's also about seeing what grows and enjoying the pleasure that brings, not just for me, but my family too. It's giving us all something to bond over!

Well done for finding gardening as therapy, it's certainly better than drugs/alcohol etc! Take each day as it comes and life will take care of itself!

: )

Yes, it's great therapy. I totally agree with you. I feel sorry for people who have noise and pollution to contend with, though - not forgetting difficult neighbours!

it is fantastic unless ;o{
fork through your foot
strimmed toes,
cane in the eye,
nettle stings,
back ache,
chainsaw massacres,

no dont run away but these can all happen and do.

i find it the best medicine no what the ailment even if it is just sitting and watching the weeds grow.

Its definitely good for both my health and peace of mind.........

It is perfect therapy I find I can think clearly without being disturbed and I can lose weight easily with all the digging plus I always feel good at my achievements !

Just going outside and sitting in the garden in the middle of winter is good therapy for me. If I can get outside for 15 minutes (preferably working in the garden but if not just sitting) I can stay "level". Otherwise I get 'cabin fever'.

I quite agree :o)

Ihave to agree it is good for your health, when in my garden i'm in a world of my own, it helps with keeping my weight at bay, plus keeping my mind intack,plus keeping my body as healthy as i can, i may be pensioner but not ready to sit in a chair sterring through a window watching life pass me by.

Heaven's above Clarice, that is my worst nightmare, getting older and doing nothing. My father in law is exactly like that and it makes me sooooo angry!!!
Because I've had to live with pain daily for the last 7 years, I really appreciate it when I am able to "do" something, even if it's just watering the plants! So, good for you!!!

My neighbour before I moved here will be 94 in April, She still mows the lawn and keeps the garden tidy. It's never time to sit and do nothing. It's best to keep moving.
Even with painful joints it's best to keep moving - they'll get even worse if you sit still.

i found gardening 16 years ago. ive never been so fit. (bit of winter spread at the moment but i'll soon work that off).
i helps my head too.with 4 teenagers it gets a bit hectic around here. when its all too much i go and desress by gardening. my two favorite destressers are
no.1. pruning...depending how stressed the smaller things get..lol
no.2. bonfires...........a good bonfire sorts itt all out.....;-))

Hi Wendy,
Without wanting to get too deep into this subject, health professionals have long been aware of the benefits of activities such as gardening to promote both physical and mental health.
Many people can gain substantialy reduced stress levels and greater fitness and suppleness especialy with the advances of age.
A major benefit is that these improvements are gained without the need for medication or drugs many of which have serious side effects.
Whatever level you garden at lets all enjoy this absorbing hobby and relax in the knowlege that it is also doing us good.
I particularly like this quote from Thomas Jefferson.

I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, and instead of one harvest, a continued one thro' the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table. I am still devoted to the garden. But tho' an old man, I am but a young gardener.
Take care.

Funny you should mention this, not only do I suffer from anxiety and bi-polar and often really struggle with day to day life but I'v worked with people who have mental dissorders such as schizophrenia who benefited so much from the gardening schemes we set up! I find it useful to get outside into the fresh air, I ignore the phone when it rings, I forget about how much I want to sit under the covers all day and do nothing, I completely ignore how much I worry and build up and deflate and how often my mood can change! It's always in such a focused and determined mind when I'm out there and better than that, I always feel so proud looking at the little accomplishments step by step!

I think you can get lost in your garden and forget any worries troubles. I always feel better after a full day in my garden. It is also, definitely good excercise. When I started doing garden maintenance for my job I lost quite a few pounds in weight in the first few weeks.