Why Gardening is a Healthy Choice in Bethesda & Montgomery County

April is Gardening Month, and what better way to celebrate than by heading outside and getting a little dirt under your fingernails. Whether you have a greenhouse, a raised bed, or a small corner of a community garden, gardening is a great way to get some much needed fresh air while connecting with nature. But the benefits of gardening extend far beyond that.

In addition to being a source of beautiful blooms and fresh produce, gardening also provides a bounty of physical and mental health benefits. Here are just a few of them:

• People who grow their own food tend to eat healthier, consuming more fruits and vegetables.

• Some studies suggest that the physical and mental activities required for gardening can help lower the risk of dementia by as much as 47%.

• Gardening can also lower stress levels as much as – and sometimes more than – other activities associated with relaxing activities, such as reading or knitting.

• Gardening for 30 minutes a day is a great form of low impact exercise.

• Individuals age 60 and older who garden regularly have a lower incidence of heart attack and stroke.

• A study in Norway found that participants who suffered from depression, bi-polar II disorder, or persistent low mood showed a measurable improvement in their symptoms after spending 6 hours a week growing flowers and vegetables.

• Planning, planting, and nurturing a garden as it grows can be a great source of pride, leading to improved self-esteem.

If gardening is relatively new to you, or if you’re planning to start a garden in a new area of your property and don’t have ready access to an outdoor faucet, contact Your 1 Plumber today for fast and precise installation.