Gardening & Mental health

Connection and correlation

What is mental health?
Mental health is the state of mental wealth being.

Factors that influence it:
Individual: emotional skills, substance use, and genetics
Social and environmental: poverty, inequality, and violence

Gardening can be used as a mental health benefit

How are gardening and mental health related?

For physical activity it lowers the signs of depression, anxiety, and stress-symptoms. Also, physical activity in the sun reduces cortisol (the stress hormone).

For social activity it strengthens love of nature, community cohesion, and social support. Example of social activity are community gardens, they reduce social isolation and are a space for positive social interactions.

Horticulture therapy
It is the use of plants and plant-based activities for the purpose of human healing and rehabilitation. Examples of it: Planting seeds, garden maintenance, seed bombs, and creating flower arrangements.

Nature-based therapy/ Eco therapy
It is a broader term, and it is the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health. Examples of it: Adventure therapy, conservation, green exercise, and therapeutic farming

“ Success in plants can lead to succession in other aspects of life”
Gardening → Mental health
Connection and correlation
What is mental health?
Mental health is the state of mental wealth being
Factors that influence it:
Individual: emotional skills, substance use, and genetics
Social and environmental: poverty, inequality, and violence
Gardening can be used as a mental health benefit
How are gardening and mental health related?
For physical activity it lowers the signs of depression, anxiety, and stress-symptoms. Also,
physical activity in the sun reduces cortisol (the stress hormone)
For social activity it strengthens love of nature, community cohesion, and social support
Example of social activity- community gardens: they reduce social isolation and are a space for
positive social interactions
Horticulture therapy
It is the use of plants and plant-based activities for the purpose of human healing and
rehabilitation
Examples of it: Planting seeds, garden maintenance, seed bombs, and creating flower
arrangements
Nature-based therapy/ Eco therapy
It is a broader term, and it is the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially
mental health
Examples of it: Adventure therapy, conservation, green exercise, and therapeutic farming
“ Success in plants can lead to succession in other aspects of life”

At-Home Gardening

Benefits
– Connecting with nature
– Learning a new skill
– Increasing sustainability
– Improve mental health

Different styles to enhance gardening
– Raised beds
– Vertical gardens
– Indoor herb gardens
– Container

Your soil is one of the most important factors in determining your garden’s health. Healthy soil produces a healthy and thriving garden- soil is alive and should be properly taken care of to create a healthy ecosystem for your garden.

Four components of soil are minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

At-home garden tips
– Avoid over watering
– Keep soil life healthy
– During cooler seasons protect your garden by using covers
– Inspect leaves and stems on a regular basis
– Remove faded or spent flowers

Tools
– Clean your tools between uses to ensure no spreading of diseases or pests

Remember
– Inspect your garden regularly
– Do not overfertilize
– Keep track of your garden by using a journal
– Most importantly, have fun while gardening!!