Gardening more frequently may be linked to improvements in wellbeing, perceived stress and physical activity, new research suggests. A new study indicates that people who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6 per cent higher and stress levels 4.2 per cent lower than people who do not garden at all. According to the paper, gardening just two to three times a week maximised the benefits of better wellbeing and lower stress levels. “This is the first time the ‘dose response’ to gardening has been tested and the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the more frequently your garden – the greater the health benefits

When gardening, our brains are pleasantly distracted by nature around us. This shifts our focus away from ourselves and our stresses, thereby restoring our minds and reducing negative feelings.” According to the study published in the journal Cities, gardening on a frequent basis – at least two to three times a week – corresponded with the greatest perceived health benefits. Improving health, however, was not the prime motivator to garden, but rather the direct pleasure gardening brought to the participants.  Most people say they garden for pleasure and enjoyment so the likelihood of getting hooked to gardening is also high and the good news is that from a mental health perspective – you can’t ‘over-dose on gardening.

The research explored why residents engaged with gardening and the extent to which they recognized any health benefits from the activity. A survey was distributed electronically within one country. Within 5,766 gardeners and 249 non-gardeners responding. The survey asked participants to rate their stress and wellbeing, as well as to list any therapeutic benefits they gain from gardening.

Pleasure and enjoyment was the reason why 6 in 10 people garden. While just under 30 per cent said they garden for the health benefits, one in five said wellbeing is the reason they garden, and around 15 per cent say it makes them feel calm and relaxed. Isn’t it amazing?

It was also found that a greater proportion of plants in the garden was linked with greater wellbeing, suggesting even just viewing ‘green’ gardens may help. But it was not just able gardeners who benefited. Those with health problems stated gardening eased episodes of depression (13 per cent), boosted energy levels (12 per cent) and reduced stress (16 per cent).

Well, nature never fails to amaze us and this is another miracle of nature in the form of plants and greenery.