The Numerous Worthwhile Perks of Gardening for Newbies

Throughout history, people have enjoyed the practice of gardening. From small balconies that have a few potted native plants, to large yards containing flower beds and vegetable gardens, different styles and sizes of gardens exist.

There are many mental, emotional, and physical benefits that one receives from gardening. If you are a novice gardener, you are about to start a new and exciting hobby that will positively impact your life in many different ways. In this gardening guide, you will learn the many benefits of this ancient pastime and why it is still popular today.

Fitness and Exercise

Gardening involves many different activities that require use of different muscle groups throughout the body, and is a great way to partake in physical activity. You can dig, plant, weed, and water your garden and enjoy doing a fun activity that promotes greater health. Gardening can improve your heart health, make your muscles get stronger, and help with flexibility. Moving your body in the form of bending, squatting, and lifting is a great way to get a workout that so many people of all ages can enjoy.

Benefits of Sunlight and Fresh Air

Outdoors time gives you fresh air and sun, and that benefits your health a lot. Sunlight gives you Vitamin D, which is good for your bones, your immune system, and your mental health. Stress and anxiety come down a bit, and fresh air helps with that.

Mental Health Benefits

There is a lot of stuff going on in your daily life, and you can forget all of that because gardening is a good mental escape. Being and watching nature, and growing your plants, is very calming and therapeutic. Your mood gets better because you have less of a stress hormone (cortisol). It is easier to energize your mind and calm down because of the simple, repetitive actions like watering and weeding plants.

Nature's Beauty

For some, the cycle of life and death associated with the plants can be something to feel amazed and be in awe about. The frames of time related to the plants are something to appreciate as are the beauty and peace of nature. Getting disconnected from nature is an easy and common thing today, and with the support of technology we've built, gardening becomes a way to reconnect and gain a profound appreciation for nature's rhythms. The observance of life in a plant from death to a seed and life with a full harvest encourages a sustainable practice.

Sense of Accomplishment

Seeing a plant grow in the presence of you can bring great joy. You can appreciate the results of your effort in a great way because gardening brings a sense of accomplishment. You can experience a great boost to your self-esteem, increased self acknowledgment and a great sense of pride when you witness things like sprouts emerging through the soil or colorful flowers and other beautiful things.

Creative Outlet

Gardening is a canvas where one can let your imagination run wild. Choosing the colors and textures of the plants, considering how you want to arrange the plants and determining how you want to design the space, there is so much you can do and so many ways to let your creativity run wild. This creative outlet can also allow you to design a place that expresses your personality and unique style.

Learning and Skill Development

Each journey in the process of gardening results in great learning. Learning about soil, plants, the weather and much more. The process is very intellectually stimulating and adds a great sense of mastery, especially when starting out and working to a proficient level with the plants. You can gain skills in plant nurturing and much more developing you a great way through the process of a journey gardening.

Healthy Homegrown Food

When you garden you grow your own food on your own slice of land. Homegrown food is custom, more flavorful, more nutritious, and can be grown organic with no pesticides. Everything you grow is fresh and can be picked when ripe, giving you constant access to nutritious food.

Socializing

There is also a social aspect that can be enjoyed and that is growing with like minded people. Community gardens and gardening clubs can be joined, and online gardening forums can be accessed to share what you know. Building connections with people through gardening can be a blast, and you can make new friends.

Impact on the Environment

Every tree, flower, or shrub you plant helps the plants and animals nearby. They will appreciate the homes you build for them. Your garden can also help with air pollution by providing more of what people need to breathe. If you grow plants that are already local to your area you can make a big positive difference in the local plants and animals to help tired pollinators.

Gardening is for Everyone: A Beginner's Guide to Gardening

Gardening is good for your body, mind, and soul. It is good for your overall well being. Every plant we take care of teaches us something. So, put on some gloves, plant some seeds, and see your garden grow while you grow.

Gardening is also a social activity. It helps us make friends. In a digital age, gardening offers us a way to connect with people. We can help each other and work on projects together. We can trade plants and gardening advice.

Many people help each other in their neighborhoods by starting community gardens. People of different backgrounds work together in these spaces and join their efforts to grow plants and beautify their neighborhoods. People trade their gardening knowledge. People work together in gardening clubs and use social gardening workshops to share their gardening experiences.

While gardening, conversations with neighbors and people walking by may naturally happen, helping people feel a sense of togetherness. Also, these people may become friends or become closer friends. These people may form a gardening club and participate in plant swapping or garden tours to celebrate their favorite hobbies.

In these busy, modern times, gardening acts as a great reminder of the bond we share, with each other and nature. It brings people together, and teaches them to nurture relationships and to appreciate other people's company, as well as the environment.

Your Gardening Requirements Start At TN Nursery

Starting a garden has so many rewards and TN Nursery will help you begin your garden to help you get all the plants you will need to go with your garden. It doesn't matter if you have planted a garden before, or if you are a pro in gardening, we have all different kinds of plants that will meet your needs. Start your gardening experience with the best plants with your best choice.

FAQs

What is the 3-hour gardening rule?

The 3-hour gardening rule is a suggestion that says you should spend at least 3 hours Per Week Doing gardening activities. Splitting the time, such as 3 hours, Doing minor gardening tasks such as weeding, watering, and pruning, means that you can Avoid getting burned out while also keeping the garden well-maintained.

What is the most common mistake of first-time gardeners?

The most common mistake first time gardeners make is to either over water or under water the plants. Getting to understand the water needs of each individual plant is something that is necessary, as either can contribute to stress. Another mistake is soil preparation, or lack thereof, which can cause stagnation in plant growth. Research soil types and water needs before actually attempting to implant something, as this is something that beginning would benefit from.

Which Are The Three Primary Principles Of Designing A Garden?

The three golden rules of any garden design are: a) Structure, which is all about making a balanced arrangement containing paths and other features; b) Unity, which is where all of the garden components and elements work seamlessly and together; c) Proportion, which is making sure the plants and features of the garden are sized well in correlation to the amount of space in the garden.

Is it okay to plant plants in October?

Of course, October is a great month for planting all kinds of plants, especially perennials and trees. The cool temperatures will provide the roots a chance to set themselves before winter. Just be sure you are planting plants that will work for fall planting in your area so the plants will have the best chance to thrive.

Tammy Sons, Horticulture Expert

Written by Tammy Sons

Tammy Sons is a horticulture expert and the CEO of TN Nursery, specializing in native plants, perennials, ferns, and sustainable gardening. With more than 35 years of hands-on growing experience, she has helped gardeners and restoration teams across the country build thriving, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Learn more about Tammy →