There's nothing quite as satisfying as enjoying food that was grown in your own backyard. The sense of accomplishment is unmatched. The great thing about gardening is, you don't have to wait for the harvest to enjoy this rewarding hobby. Though the process is sometimes strenuous, the benefits are numerous. Tending to plants, digging in the soil, and nurturing life not only brings beauty into your space but also has profound mental health benefits.

A Natural Remedy for Anxiety

Why Gardening Helps with Anxiety

1. Mindfulness and Presence – Gardening encourages you to be fully engaged in the moment, focusing on simple tasks like planting, watering, and pruning. This mindfulness practice helps reduce overthinking and brings a sense of calm.

2. Connection with Nature – Spending time outdoors in fresh air and sunshine provides a natural mood boost. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for happiness and well-being.

3. Sense of Accomplishment – Watching your plants grow and thrive gives a sense of achievement, which can build confidence and provide a much-needed distraction from anxious thoughts.

4. Physical Activity – Digging, planting, and weeding involve physical movement, which helps release endorphins—your body’s natural stress relievers.

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1. Start Small – Start with less than five crops. You don't want to bite off more than you can chew here. It's easy to over do it, trust me. Start with a few of your favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers you know grow well in your area. It's a good idea to join local Facebook gardening groups to ask experienced gardeners for advice on varieties that grow well in your area. Every season you can add a new crop to your garden. Also, you don’t need a huge backyard to enjoy the benefits of gardening. A few potted plants on a balcony or windowsill can be just as rewarding.

2. Choose Your Crops Wisely – If you’re new to gardening, opt for easy-to-care-for plants like lettuce, herbs, or hardy flowers such as lavender. Choose crops you enjoy and that will grow well in your area. Almanac.com is a great resource for finding your hardiness zone and learning about specific plants. It's important to consider crop variety, soil needs, companion plants, spacing, and planting dates for your area. By starting with less than five crops, you can really dive into these specifics without being overwhelmed.

3. Draw up a Plan – Roughly draw out the layout of what you want your garden to look like. You can get as detailed as you like here. Keep in mind where you might need cages, or trellis' and what grows well together. Also consider how you will water your crops. Will you use soaker hoses or sprinklers?

4. Prepare the Soil – If you are planning an in-ground garden, it's important to remove grass and weeds. This can be done by digging it up or choking them out. Laying cardboard over rows can smother out grass and weeds. You will want to add compost to the areas you are planning on planting in.

5. Start Planting – Now you're ready to plant! Keep in mind the suggested soil depth for each seed. Keep the soil nice and moist and it's a great idea to add mulch to slow down weed growth and to keep moisture in.

How to Get Started Gardening

Essential Tools for Beginner Gardeners

1. Gardening Gloves - You definitely need a few pairs of gloves to protect your hands and fingernails from dirt and thorns. These longer forearm protecting gloves are great for pruning thorny bushes or picking beans with prickly vines.

   Gloves are also great for protecting your hands when shoveling and raking. Blisters are no fun!

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2. Digging Tools - A hand trowel and hand rake are essential for planting and loosening soil. It's a good idea to get a quality set with sturdy handles and to store these in a dry place so they will last longer.

   If you're starting an in ground garden, you will need a sturdy shovel, hoe, and garden rake for loosening soil, clearing weeds, and leveling the tops of rows

3. Watering Equipment - Water is life! Keeping your plants hydrated is a major factor in the success of your garden. There are great options on Amazon for making this step easier.

• Sturdy watering can

• best selling water hose

• garden hose sprayer

• soaker hose

• sprinkler/soaker hose timer

• garden hose splitter

4. Pruning Shears - These help maintain plant health with trimming dead leaves and stems. It's helpful to have a pair of shears for thicker stems and also a pair of micro tip clippers which are great for getting between plants with smaller leaves and stems.

5. Pots or Raised Beds - These are ideal for small spaces and are great for those who don't want to get all the way on the ground. Raised beds can be filled with organic matter such as branches, logs, and leaves on the bottom for filler and natural compost. This self watering tomato cage planter is great for a patio

6. Quality Soil - The most efficient and economical way to provide your plants with the nutrients they need is through composting. This method is fairly simple, but does take time. This compost thermometer is helpful for making sure your pile is active. Finding a local company where you can buy large amounts of compost is usually more budget friendly than buying individual bags. For smaller, raised beds and container gardening, bagged compost and manure is a great option.

   *The Back to Eden or "no till" gardening method is gaining popularity for its organic methods, success without expensive equipment, and simplicity.

Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a therapeutic practice that nurtures both plants and the mind. Whether you have a large garden or a few potted plants, the act of tending to living things fosters relaxation and a sense of purpose. If you’re looking for a natural way to ease anxiety, give gardening a try. You might be surprised by the peace and joy it brings.

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