Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
You know what they say about an apple a day. But if you want to keep the doctor away, it might be time to invest in fresh air and veggies. Gardening could be a solution. This family-friendly activity enables you to get outdoors and reap tasty rewards.
Ready to get your trowel in one hand and your toddler in the other? Planting veggies like tomatoes or pumpkins could have a profoundly positive impact on their well-being. Here’s how gardening might be the most beneficial investment for your family’s health.
Physical Health Benefits: Encouraging Active Lifestyles
Digging, planting, and weeding are moderate-intensity exercises. In other words, it gives you a considerable workout.
Gardening improves cardiovascular health and helps you maintain a healthy weight. In fact, a Denver-based study showed that community gardeners have a lower body mass index than non-gardeners. Encouraging active lifestyles is important for physical health, and gardening does a great job of that.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Harvesting Fresh Produce
The benefit of consuming fresh produce speaks for itself. Homegrown vegetables are chemical-free and provide more sustainable ingredients for your meals. Just think of all the food miles you’ve saved on those garden-grown tomatoes! There are also savvy ways of extending the growing season, like investing in a polytunnel. These year-round methods are perfect for cultivating vegetables outside their traditional UK season.
Aside from harvesting an abundance of nutrient-dense foods, family gardening can encourage your child into healthy eating. Get kids involved in growing vegetables; you’ll be surprised how much more open they are to colourful plates.
Mental Well-being: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Mood
It’s no secret that nature is profoundly therapeutic. Time outdoors is scientifically evidenced to reduce stress levels, promote mindfulness, and instil a sense of calm.
Gardening is a legitimate form of nature-based therapy. Not convinced? Just read first-hand accounts of the benefits of gardening therapy. The results are astounding.
Family Bonding: Working Together in the Garden
Activities are great for zero-pressure connections. Instead of focusing on forcing communication, you can organically bond over small tasks.
Gardening as a family is a brilliant way to connect with children and teach them responsibility. And for older children who are less open to direct communication, it can be a useful tool to strengthen relationships.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness: Connecting with Nature
Gardening is centred around environmental stewardship. You’re learning how to connect with and protect nature; these are brilliant lessons for sustainability and environmental awareness.
Start with the basics, learning what plants need. Once you’ve mastered that, graduate to more complex topics like the importance of ecosystems and biodiversity. It’s hands-on learning and a chance to make a positive contribution.
Gardening is a beautiful opportunity to invest in your family’s connection and well-being. What will you plant first?
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
