Health library

April 7, 2025—Spring is finally here. It's time to shake off the cold-weather blahs and spend some time outside. And one ideal outdoor activity that's good for your body and mind is gardening.

Boost your well-being outdoors

Gardening is more than just an enjoyable hobby. Research shows that it offers many health benefits. Among the rewards you can reap:

Gardening is real exercise. Digging, hauling, spreading mulch and raking count as moderate activity, says AARP. Even repotting plants and weeding can improve your hands' strength and skill.

It reconnects you with nature. Putting down your mobile device and going outside invigorates your mental state. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that spending time in nature can relieve feelings of stress, depression, anxiety and negativity.

Growing your own food can help you eat more healthfully. Whether you plant herbs, vegetables or fruit trees, eating what you grow can help you consume more fiber, vitamins and other essential nutrients that help fight disease.

Gardening can reenergize you. Although gardening is work, it's a different type of work than what you might do indoors all day. Spending time outdoors relieves you from daily distractions and even can improve short-term memory.

Garden scenery can boost your creativity. Feeling stuck? Head to your garden. It provides a change of scenery that can help you look at situations from a different angle. According to the AHA, nature can help sharpen your problem-solving abilities.

Get the most from your garden

Gardeners of all skill levels can reap the joys—and health benefits—of growing plants. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Start small. You don't have to have a large garden. If you're a beginner, start by planting fresh herbs in containers or creating a raised garden bed.

Eat what you grow. Biting into a fresh apricot or slicing a home-grown tomato is immensely rewarding—and healthful. Some easy-to-grow vegetables include radishes, zucchini and green beans.

Make it a habit. As with any form of exercise, consistency is key. So go outside often to tend to your plants and yard. Gradually increase the intensity of your activity to build strength and endurance.

Join others. Look for a gardening club or community garden in your area. You can learn from other gardeners, share your bounty and make more social connections.

Ready to dig in?

Check out our interactive to discover five ways to garden safely all season long.

Sources

• AARP. "8 Ways to Boost the Health Benefits of Gardening." https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/how-to-boost-gardening-health-benefits.
• AARP. "Top 10 Easiest Superfoods to Grow in Your Garden." https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/easiest-superfoods-to-grow.
• American Diabetes Association. "The Health Benefits of Gardening." https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/benefits-of-gardening.
• American Heart Association. "Homegrown Foods From the Garden Make Family Meals Healthier." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/cooking-skills/meal-planning/homegrown-meals.
• American Heart Association. "Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/spend-time-in-nature-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety.