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Discover the Joys of Gardening

Heloise Tremblay
May 27, 2024

Discover the Joys of Gardening

There’s something profoundly satisfying about gardening - watching seeds grow into plants, caring for organic life, and reaping the delicious rewards of your labor. Whether you have a small backyard or simply a balcony, getting your hands in the dirt can offer great physical and mental benefits.

Gardening is a wonderful form of exercise. From digging and weeding to watering and harvesting, it involves movement and using multiple muscle groups. Even light gardening on your days off can help you meet weekly exercise recommendations. Being outdoors in nature also has stress-reducing effects. Sunlight, greenery and fresh air while gardening have been shown to lower blood pressure and relax both mind and body.

A homegrown vegetable or herb garden allows you to eat locally in the purest sense. You’ll enjoy fresher, more nutritious produce picked at the peak of ripeness. Be adventurous with new fruits and vegetables you may not regularly find at the grocery store. Consider starting some easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, herbs, greens and beans.

Gardening is also good for the planet. Growing your own food reduces emissions from transportation and packaging. Organic yard and food waste can be composted to feed your plants. Plants not only beautify our spaces but also remove carbon dioxide from the air and filter pollutants. Every small step adds up.

Whether a seasoned gardener or just starting out, find what works best for your space and schedule. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes - plants are forgiving teachers. Spending even brief periods nurturing natural growth is profoundly rewarding. So grab your gloves, choose some seeds or seedlings, and discover the pleasures and benefits that gardening has to offer.