- Gardening, practiced by 55% of U.S. households, offers physical benefits like exercise, improved heart health, and stress reduction.
- Exposure to sunlight while gardening enhances Vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and immune function.
- Gardening improves sleep quality due to physical exertion and exposure to natural light.
- Starting a garden involves planning, procuring quality supplies, choosing suitable plants, setting up a watering system, and regular maintenance.
- Investing in a greenhouse allows year-round gardening, offering benefits like indoor vegetable cultivation and advanced gardening opportunities.
Gardening is not just for creating a beautiful outdoor space and growing produce. It can also be a great way to stay fit and healthy. Gardening can provide many physical benefits that you may not be aware of. Here’s what you need to know about gardening in the country, the physical benefits of gardening, and how you can get started.
Gardening in The U.S.
About 55% of American households are estimated to be actively gardening on their property. Whether it’s a full-scale vegetable garden or simply mowing the lawn and planting flowers, more than half of people engage in some form of gardening every year. This is partly due to Americans’ desire to connect with nature, but many physical benefits come with spending time outside and getting down and dirty in your backyard. Here are some of them:
1. Exercise
Gardening is a great form of exercise and can help you burn calories while doing something enjoyable. Digging, planting, and weeding can help tone your muscles, especially in your arms, shoulders, and legs. Gardening can also be a low-impact workout and can help improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination.
2. Improved Heart Health
Gardening is a moderate-intensity exercise that can help improve your heart health. It can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
3. Reduced Stress
Gardening can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Being outside, surrounded by nature, can help calm your mind and lower stress levels. Gardening can also provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting your mood and improving your mental health.
4. Increased Vitamin D
Spending time outdoors while gardening can also provide your body with much-needed Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. It also plays a key role in regulating your immune system and can help reduce your risk of certain illnesses.
5. Improved Sleep
Gardening can also improve your sleep quality. Physical activity during the day can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Exposure to natural light while gardening can also help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
How to Start Gardening
Now that you know the physical benefits of gardening, you may wonder how to start. Here are five steps to start gardening:
Plan it Out
A garden is only as good as its design. Before you start digging, take some time to plan out your space. Think about which plants or flowers you want to grow and how much space they may need. You should also consider the direction of the sun and soil quality before starting your garden.
Get Quality Supplies
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for a successful garden. This includes soil, fertilizer, tools, and plants. Quality is critical in gardening supplies—investing in high-quality materials will help ensure your garden thrives.
Plant the Right Plants
Knowing which plants to choose for your garden can be tricky. Consider the climate you live in and the amount of sunlight your area gets before selecting a type of plant. When planting, read instructions on spacing and water requirements for each type of plant.
Set Up a Watering System
Watering is an essential part of gardening. Ensure you set up a watering system that will be easy to maintain. You can set up a drip irrigation system if you want something automated or use a traditional sprinkler system if you want more control.
Fertilize and Weed
Fertilizing your plants is essential to keep them healthy and growing. You should also regularly check for weeds in your garden, which can compete with your plants for nutrients. It’s best to pull out weeds when they are young so the roots don’t have a chance to establish themselves.
Invest in a Greenhouse
An extra tip is to consider investing in a greenhouse. Investing in one can allow you to grow plants all year round, no matter what the climate is like outside. This can be great for starting an indoor vegetable garden or taking your gardening game to the next level. To spice up your greenhouse’s appearance, consider building a robust gothic arch greenhouse instead. The arch can add a new dimension to your backyard and give it a historic feel.
Gardening is a great way to stay physically active while connecting with nature. It can also provide countless physical benefits, including improved heart health, increased vitamin D levels, and better sleep quality. So, get outside and start your garden today! You won’t regret it.
