A K-State horticulturist says gardening is good for mental well-being
After the stress of the holidays, it can be difficult to return to "normal" everyday life. It's important to have something to look forward to when visits with family and friends are over and the dreary weather continues.
Cynthia Domenghini, a horticulturist at Kansas State University, says research has shown gardening has mental health benefits, including lower levels of depression and anxiety and higher quality of life satisfaction.
"Maybe you have your own experience with these kinds of benefits and that's why you continue to garden," Domengini said. "Gardening reduces stress by ensuring food security. It is a source of exercise and can be used as a social pastime."
Each of these benefits explains why gardening is good for mental health, she said.
January has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, and with alarming reports of the rise of mental health problems among young people and adults, there are good reasons for this campaign to raise awareness, Domenghini said.
"Maybe this is the perfect year to find someone you know who could benefit from time in the garden. Maybe they need a gardening mentor or space to grow vegetables," Domengini said.
Or, she adds, you're the one who spends most of your time in the garden.
Donenghini encourages Kansans to start gardening and take a look at the indoor gardening tips featured in this week's K-State Horticulture newsletter to reap the health benefits. Here are some ideas:
- Fasten the areas of the paper.
- Put the onion inside.
- Start by replacing vegetables.
"Looking forward to a good year in gardening," Domengini said.
Domenghini and his colleagues at K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources publish a weekly horticulture newsletter with tips for maintaining landscapes and indoor gardens. The newsletter is available online or can be sent by email every week.
Interested parties can send gardening and yard inquiries to Domenghini at [email protected] or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
