RESEARCH

Home Gardening and the Health and Well-Being of Adolescents

The study found that home gardening was common among New Zealand high school students and was associated with healthier eating, more physical activity, and better mental health. Results showed that students who participated in gardening reported numerous benefits, including stronger family and community connections.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Students

Setting or Context: Urban vs. Rural Settings, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Better Nutritional Awareness, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Observational Research, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Paid

Print Form

Summary

This study looked at how home gardening affects the health and well-being of high school students in New Zealand. The researchers surveyed over 8,500 students and found that about two-thirds of them had vegetable gardens at home, with one-quarter actively helping with gardening. Students who participated in gardening were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, be physically active, and have better mental health. They also reported stronger connections with their families and neighborhoods.

The study showed that gardening was linked to many positive outcomes for teenagers. Students who gardened ate healthier foods, exercised more, and felt better emotionally. They also had better relationships with their families and felt more connected to their communities. The researchers suggest that gardening could be a good activity for families to do together and might help improve young people’s overall health and well-being.