7 advantages of growing a garden

Apart from being self-reliant and contributing to an inspiring greener environment, gardening has a number of health benefits.

Various studies and surveys show a long list of benefits that come with growing our own garden.

Here are seven of our favourite reasons for digging, mulching, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting that vegetable patch.

1. Live Longer

Active garden farmers live 16 – 27% longer than couch potatoes, according to research from The Danish Cancer Society.

2. Burn Calories

Active gardening burns 330 calories per hour and will make people less overweight than their non-active neighbours.

3. Eat Healthier

Active garden farmers eat healthier with more fruit and vegetables than non-gardeners. And as a bonus they get to decide not to use pesticides.

4. Yummier Food

Active gardeners have access to fresh and tasty vegetables, fruit and berries. Handpicked food matured in sun and soil taste better than industrial grown food matured in cooling containers.

5. Save Money

Active garden farmers can save more than €130 for every €7 they spend on seeds. It is easy to grow crispy lettuce for less than 2 cents a piece.

6. More Sunlight

Active garden farmers are more exposed to daylight and produce more serotonin, which help rising your mood and make you happier.

Also, by getting sunlight they produce melatonin which helps adjust the biological clock, which is good for a healthy sleeping pattern.

7. Less Stress

Active garden farmers are less stressed than people without gardens. Research shows that even half an hour of garden work reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

John Seymour’s iconic book on how to grow your own garden is a great resource if you are learning how to grow vegetables in the northern hemisphere.