5 reasons to start gardening

Wondering whether you should start a garden this summer? It's probably a good idea! Here are five good reasons to grow flowers, plants, herbs, and vegetables in your yard or on your balcony this summer. Read on for everything you need to know about the physical, psychological, and ecological benefits of gardening!

Gardening benefits: 5 reasons to start

1

It's a great way to eat more fresh organic produce

The number one benefit of growing a vegetable garden is that it lets you grow fresh food that you can eat. Tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, beans, carrots, lettuce... You can grow all your favourite foods! All you need is water, and maybe a little bit of natural fertilizer, and you'll have fresh organic produce at your fingertips all season.

As a bonus, you'll have a reason to eat more vegetables, which is fantastic for your health! You can also try new foods and recipes, depending on what you decide to grow. Having your own vegetable garden is good for your health, your taste buds, and the planet!

2

It can help reduce your expenses and carbon footprint

The benefits of gardening aren't just tied to food freshness. By growing produce within walking distance of your kitchen, you'll significantly reduce the distance your fruits and vegetables have to travel to reach your plate. That means fewer greenhouse gas emissions!

Gardening is also eco-friendly because it helps reduce food packaging. You'll also notice a difference on your grocery bill—not only will you buy less produce during the summer, but if you preserve your fruits, vegetables, and herbs through freezing, canning, or drying, you can keep eating them until the next gardening season rolls around.

You can also grow plants that promote biodiversity, such as native species with flowers that help attract pollinators.

3

Horticultural therapy can help you relax and live in the moment

Are you familiar with horticultural therapy? It's the practice of using plants and gardening to improve mental and physical health.

Despite involving manual labour, gardening is a great way to relax and decompress. It gives you a chance to focus on something other than the concerns of everyday life and helps clear your mind, without a screen in sight.

What's more, it's a calming physical activity that lets you get some fresh air, get creative with your landscaping, and enjoy the sweet scents of nature.

Growing flowers and vegetables takes time, patience, and care. Each species has its own needs and grows at its own pace; this requires paying attention to each one and learning to slow down.

4

It enhances your surroundings

Successfully growing a flower or something you can eat is gratifying. There's nothing quite like the sense of pride you feel when your garden is in full bloom! Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables adds life to your living environment. Plants are beautiful, they smell nice, and they're wonderful to have around!

And who doesn't love the look and smell of a bouquet of fresh flowers in the house? Making more space for nature in your living environment can have beneficial effects on your emotional and mental health, such as improving your mood.

5

It's a gentle form of exercise

Since gardening requires relatively little effort, it's easy to keep at it for several hours. As an activity, it promotes mobility and helps prevent diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle. It also helps maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints. Take deep breaths while you garden - your lungs and heart will thank you!

How to prevent injuries

Pay attention to your posture, your back in particular. Try to work on all fours instead of bending over, for example. Gardening requires a lot of movement and walking around. This is good for mobility, but it can also be hard on your joints. Wear knee pads or use a cushion when kneeling, and take regular breaks if doing repetitive motions.

How to relieve aches and pains

Changer de posture régulièrement peut vous aider à prévenir les courbatures ainsi qu'à les soulager. N'hésitez pas à faire des étirements avant et après une séance de jardinage. Si vous avez des crampes musculaires, de la glace et un léger massage peuvent soulager la douleur.

Pour des douleurs arthritiques, l'acétaminophène ou des anti-inflammatoires peuvent vous aider. Demandez toujours conseil au pharmacien avant d'en faire usage.

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