6 Perks of Growing a Garden

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ANDREA SCHMUTZ, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

​I recently saw a quote on a sign that said, “Gardening: it’s cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes.” I chuckled to myself and pondered the implied message. With spring in full force, it’s a perfect time to consider growing a garden and reaping the following SIX benefits:

---

1. Financial savings - My parents insisted that we grow a garden to help defray the cost of groceries for our family of 12. I wasn’t completely sold on the financial savings aspect of gardening until I started purchasing my own groceries and realized just how expensive fresh fruits and vegetables can be. Curious to learn whether the savings were perceived or real, I did a little research. In an article about the economic costs and benefits of growing a home vegetable garden, Langellotto (2014) reported an average savings of $678 in one growing season. I realize gardens come in all sizes and vary in yield so the savings will fluctuate, but the key takeaway is that gardens truly can help stretch the family budget.
2. Healthy Eating -  When growing your own garden, you can control when to harvest your food; “vegetables that ripen in the garden have more nutrients than some store-bought vegetables that must be picked early” (Godman, 2012). Studies also show that involving kids in gardening activities results in increased fruit and vegetable consumption (Oxenham & King, 2010). I remember sending my kids out to weed the garden only to find them snacking on fresh peas, carrots, radishes, or whatever else they could find. They ate their vegetables much more willingly when they could take them straight from the garden 
3. Increased confidence in food safety and security - In a world where many people worry about pesticides and chemicals added to foods, growing your own garden offers peace of mind because you know exactly what you put on your food as you grow it. You can choose prudent use of pesticides or grow your produce organically - it’s completely up to you!
4. Mental Health - There is increasing evidence that gardening is beneficial to mental health. Regular involvement in gardening can reduce stress and depression; improve alertness, cognitive abilities, and social skills; and help people manage the distress of mentally challenging circumstances (Schmutz et al., 2014). 
5. Physical Health - According to the USDA choosemyplate.gov website, a 5’10” man weighing 154 pounds will burn approximately 330 calories in an hour of light gardening. Gardening incorporates strength and stretching as we bend, squat, carry supplies, rake, hoe, and perform many other actions to prepare the ground and nurture the plants.
6. Service - Garden production often exceeds the amount the gardener can consume so it’s a wonderful opportunity to serve others through sharing the abundance. We love to take bags of fresh spinach, lettuce and peas to neighbors, friends, or elderly folks who may not have their own gardens. I’ve learned that one of the best ways to bring a smile to someone’s face is to share homegrown tomatoes.

I know I barely covered the surface of the many benefits of gardening, but hopefully I “planted a seed” to encourage you to give gardening a try. You don’t need experience to be successful, and you don’t have to own a large plot of land. Whatever your circumstances, you can reap the benefits of a garden. Watch for more information later this month on tips for the first time gardener.
 
References:

• Backyard gardening: grow your own food, improve your health.
• How many calories does physical activity use (burn)? 
• Langellotto, G. A. (2014). What are the economic costs and benefits of home vegetable gardens?. Journal of Extension, 52(2)
  
• Oxenham, E., & King, A. D. (2010). School gardens as a strategy for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. JCNM, 34(1), 5.
• Schmutz, U., Lennartsson Turner, M., Williams, S., Devereaux, M., & Davies, G. (2014). The benefits of gardening and food growing for health and wellbeing. Ryton and London: Garden Organic and Sustain.

Andrea works for USU Extension in Washington County where she utilizes innovative approaches to teach frugal living, healthy lifestyles, and resilience. She loves sharing her passion for STEM and the outdoors with anyone who will join her.