Gardening

Gardens are more than just beautiful places filled with plants. They can also play a significant role in our well-being, helping us heal, relax, and find joy. The food grown in gardens nourishes our body and the act of gardening can nourish our mind and connect us to the environment and community.

From bringing a smile to our faces or increasing the opportunity to have fresh food, gardens can benefit us in many ways. 

Mind: Spending time in a garden can reduce stress and anxiety. The calmness of the environment and the act of caring for plants can be soothing for the mind. Connecting with nature can bring a moment of stillness in a world filled with chaos. 

Body: Gardening involves activities like digging, planting, and weeding, which can be a great way to move your body. Regular movement can be good for the mind, help with sleep, and make you feel strong. 

Belly: Fruits and vegetables are not only delicious, but are also designed to make you feel good. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can fill your heart with pride and your belly with nutrients. Fresh produce, along with frozen or canned produce, is packed with good stuff and can be a tasty way to make you feel good.

Heart: Gardens can be places where we connect with others, whether through shared work in a community garden or simply spending time with family in a backyard garden. They can provide opportunities for children to learn and opportunities for communities to heal. 

1. Community Gardens are shared spaces where people come together to grow plants, fruits, and vegetables. These gardens are often located in urban areas and are managed by local organizations or groups of people.

2. School Gardens are planted and maintained by students, teachers, and sometimes parents, usually on school grounds.

3. At-Home Gardens are gardens that grow in or around your home. They can be anything from an in-ground garden in your backyard to container gardening to herbs growing in your kitchen. Container gardening involves growing plants in pots or containers, which can be done on a balcony, patio, or indoors.

Gardens offer a wonderful way to nurture both your body and mind. Whether you’re tending to a community plot, helping students learn through a school garden, or enjoying a container garden at home, you’re embracing a path to enhanced well-being.

Resources:

What’s Growing Now in Arizona Website

Seed to Supper Beginner’s Guide to Low-Cost Vegetable Gardening