RESEARCH

The Impact of Gardening on Well-Being, Mental Health, and Quality of Life: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis

This umbrella review of 40 studies suggests that gardening and horticultural therapy are linked to positive effects on well-being, mental health, and quality of life in adults. However, the low quality and heterogeneity of the existing research mean these findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social, Vocational

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Physical Disabilities, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions, Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes, Residential Programs, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Faster Recovery Times, Longevity & Aging Well

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Plant Propagation, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Observational Research, Randomized Controlled Trials, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This research paper, titled “The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis”, looks at many previous studies (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) to understand the overall impact of gardening and horticultural therapy on people’s well-being. The researchers searched major electronic databases up to December 2022 to find these existing reviews. They included 40 reviews in their analysis, which examined the effects of different types of gardening on various aspects of well-being, mental health, and quality of life in adults. The goal of this “umbrella review” was to get a broad understanding of what is already known about this topic and to assess the quality of the existing research.

The findings of this umbrella review indicate an overall positive association between gardening activities and improvements in mental well-being, quality of life, and health status. Specifically, the included reviews showed that gardening and horticultural therapy can benefit psychological well-being (like social connections) and physiological well-being. They also reported positive impacts on mental health outcomes such as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, lowering stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. Furthermore, improvements in quality of life, including life satisfaction and social connections, were linked to gardening. However, the researchers caution that the quality of many of the reviewed studies was critically low, and there was significant variation between them, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions or give direct clinical recommendations. Nevertheless, a statistical analysis of some of the studies showed a significant positive effect of gardening on well-being.

Link

Panțiru, I., Ronaldson, A., Sima, N., Dregan, A., & Sima, R. (2024). The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: An umbrella review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 13(1). BMC.

Other Recommended Research

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.