Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/8/03
Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning April 11, 2003
Gardening is Good for You
By Cindy Haynes
Extension Horticulture Specialist
Iowa State University
The gardening season is heating up! Gardening is the number one leisure activity in the United States and the surging popularity of our favorite pastime continues unabated. The reasons that people garden are as diverse as gardeners themselves and include the joy of creating and appreciating beauty, spending time outdoors, and providing fresh produce for the table. But did you know that gardening is also good for you? Let me count the ways!
Physical Benefits of Gardening
Most gardening activities are light-to-moderate forms of exercise. In fact, many aspects of gardening have been likened to exercises in a gym. Turning compost is like lifting weights, raking is a lot like using a rowing machine, and mowing the lawn is like walking on a treadmill. As with any other form of moderate exercise, the health benefits abound. One research study has shown that simply strolling in a public garden can lower blood pressure.
Another study proved that women 50 years and older who gardened once a week had higher bone density than those who jogged, walked, swam or did aerobics. Reduced risk of heart disease, better flexibility, more endurance and strength, and weight control are just a few of the other physical benefits linked to gardening activities. But for the willing gardener, gardening has distinct advantages to working out in a gym.
First, the exercise is coupled with an enjoyable activity that is independently motivating. Thus, the need to get "psyched up" for vigorous calisthenics, a jog around the block, or whatever other thrashing about one might be inclined to do is eliminated. Also, immersion and focus on the gardening activities themselves cause the exercise time to pass quickly, i.e. no more interminable plods on the treadmill. Second, along with strong muscles, efficient cardiovascular function and a sleek physique, a beautiful and bountiful creation blossoms from your exercise: a garden.
The physical benefits of gardening don't stop with the exercise. Just as Thoreau's wood heated him twice - once while cutting and again while burning - gardening provides health benefits twice. The second physical benefit is realized when the "fruits" of your labor are consumed or enjoyed. Have you ever heard of any vegetables or fruits that were not considered nutritious? Another added benefit is the quality of produce that you can grow. Homegrown fruits and vegetables almost always taste better because they are fresher.
Psychological Benefits of Gardening
Garden work exercises more than just our bodies. It also exercises our
minds. Gardening (and gardens) is an equal opportunity benefactor when
it comes to our psyche. Gardening can be soothing or stimulating, or both,
and the experience desired can be chosen. Routine tasks such as mowing,
weeding and watering have calmed many a gardener. Furthermore, a relaxation
response brought on by simply observing and enjoying a garden is a virtually
universal human reaction. For example, physicians of ancient Egypt prescribed
walks through gardens to improve mental health.
For stimulation, gardening is an avenue that satisfies something else universally human: the desire to create. From the most elaborate formal landscape to the simplest decision to "put that plant just there," gardening is an infinite opportunity for individual creativity. Through observation and experimentation, we constantly practice and perfect gardening techniques. While nurturing plants and watching them grow, we improve our moods, feel a sense of accomplishment and improve our self-esteem. The endless stream of new plants affords an inexhaustible opportunity for "newness."
When our creations are imperfect - as they always are - the seasonal nature of gardening is our redemption in the form of "just wait'll next year." The opportunity for stimulation through gardening extends beyond having our hands in the dirt to conversations and camaraderie with other gardeners, seminars and countless books and magazines. The garden also is a never-ending source of inspiration for artists and a great learning environment for youth.
Community Benefits of Gardening
Although gardening is often an individual activity, the benefits extend
beyond the individual. Gardening fosters a sense of community every time
we trade the abundance of produce with friends or plant annual flowers
at an empty lot or public place. Community gardens and beautification
projects have long been recognized as ways to transform and revitalize
neighborhoods and cities. Gardening with neighbors is a great way to make
new friends and learn about different cultures all while enjoying and
hopefully eating the bountiful harvest.
So, no matter what your reason is for gardening, take heart in knowing that it is good for your mind, body and soul.
-30-
Editors: There is no photo available for this week's column.
ml: isugarden
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.