Why Garden? – Attitudes and the Perceived Health Benefits of Home Gardening

The research surveyed 6,015 participants in the UK to explore why people engage in home gardening and whether they recognize any health benefits from it. The findings indicate that while health improvement was not the primary motivator for gardening, those who garden frequently—at least two to three times per week—reported higher levels of well-being, lower perceived stress, and more physical activity. Gardening was mainly pursued for pleasure, relaxation, and self-expression, with additional benefits including stress reduction, physical exercise, and mental restoration.

The study also found that satisfaction with one’s front garden increased as the proportion of vegetation grew, suggesting that greener spaces contribute to overall happiness. Despite the well-documented benefits, domestic gardens are often overlooked in urban planning discussions, with increasing threats from city densification. The authors emphasize the need for policymakers to recognize home gardens as essential contributors to public health and well-being, advocating for their integration into urban planning and green infrastructure policies.

Chalmin-Pui, L.S., Griffiths, A., Roe, J. et al. (2021). Why garden? Attitudes and the perceived health benefits of home gardening. Cities, 112, 103118.