Green Thumbs up for spring!
With the arrival of Spring like temperatures and longer days, it is the perfect time to start or revamp your garden.
Whether you are a novice or have a green thumb, this is the perfect time to take the opportunity to dig, plant, and grow something beautiful as well as to connect with nature. Although we know that gardening can be great for our local environment, it can also have many benefits to our overall health and well-being.
Benefits of Gardening
Exercise
Bending, pulling, lunging and squatting are all movements that mimic usual body exercise that may be performed in a traditional gym setting that are also performed while gardening. Carrying mulch and pushing a lawn mower can actually burn as much calories as riding a bicycle or performing an exercise routine. The great thing about gardening is that it can be modified to your strength, ability and activity level.
Nutrition
Growing your own produce can also improve overall health. By having fruits and vegetables readily, you may be more likely to include those in your daily meals. Popular home-grown foods such as potatoes, peppers, and mixed greens can provide an array of nutrients including antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
Connecting with Nature
Time spent in nature can also improve mental health by reducing the symptoms of depression, decreasing stress and improving overall cognitive function. For some who suffer with mental health conditions, implementing horticultural therapy, which is using gardening as a means to facilitate dialogue and skill building, has shown promise for improving chronic and acute mental health conditions.
Gardening Safety Tips
Dress Appropriately
Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants when using lawn mowers or other machinery. Wear gloves to lower the risk for cuts and exposure certain contaminants and protect your hearing when using loud machinery. Lower your risk for sunburn by wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
As the gardening season progresses, it’s important to be smart about staying hydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replace lost fluids. Sipping throughout the day is better than saving up for meals or breaks.
Take Breaks!
Take breaks often and rest in shaded areas. Stop working if you experience breathlessness or muscle soreness. Signs of heat-related illness include extremely high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness.
Not sure how to celebrate National Garden Month?
Here are some simple and fulfilling ways to participate!
Start a garden—even a few pots on a windowsill count – How to Start Gardening – Solutions for Your Life – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS.
Visit a local botanical garden or public park for inspiration – Welcome | Jacksonville Arboretum
Volunteer at a community garden or neighborhood cleanup – Community Garden – RAP
Plant native species to support local ecosystems – 13 Best Native Plants for Your Jacksonville Garden.
– Dana Gardner, Registered Dietitian, MS, LD/N
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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