RESEARCH

Gardening for Health: A Regular Dose of Gardening

Gardening and exposure to green spaces offer significant mental and physical health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased physical activity, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Hospitals/Clinics, Community Gardens, Residential Programs, Workplace Environments

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Social Work

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Vocational Skill Development, Greenhouse/Nursery Production, Growing Plants from Seed, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

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

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This article discusses the health benefits of gardening and exposure to green spaces, based on a review of multiple studies and research findings. Key methods used in the studies included randomized trials, surveys, and observational studies comparing outcomes for people with varying levels of exposure to nature and gardening activities.

Results consistently showed that gardening and exposure to green spaces can have significant positive effects on both physical and mental health. Specific benefits included reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; improved mood and self-esteem; increased physical activity and social interaction; and potential delays in dementia symptoms. The article highlights gardening as a particularly beneficial activity as it combines exercise, time outdoors, social connection, and nutritional benefits from growing produce. It recommends that health professionals encourage patients to garden and spend time in green spaces as an evidence-based, low-cost way to improve health outcomes and potentially reduce pressure on healthcare systems. The article also notes the environmental benefits of plants and green spaces in reducing air pollution and countering climate change.