Gardening has long been celebrated as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it turns out that getting our hands in the soil can do wonders for our minds too. From reducing stress to boosting mood, the benefits of gardening for mental health are backed by science and experienced by countless enthusiasts worldwide.
If you’ve been curious about the link between plants and peace of mind, let’s dive into how gardening can nurture your mental well-being.
5 Ways gardening can help your mental health
1. Gardening Boosts Mood Through "Happy" Chemicals
Studies have shown that gardening works in the same way as antidepressants. Gardening combines three things - time outside in the sunshine, being physically active, and working with plants. These can boost the production of serotonin and dopamine—two chemicals that have a big impact on mood. Sunshine alone is a natural way to increase serotonin, which is known as the “happiness hormone.” Gardening combines time outdoors with gentle exercise, giving a double boost to your mood.
Interestingly, there’s also a particular bacterium found in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae that has been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin. So, when you dig in the dirt, this is absorbed through your skin and can elevate your mood naturally. So ditch the gardening gloves, like a child making mud pies, gardening gives you a chance to get your hands dirty and take advantage of these “happy” little microbes.
2. Gardening Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One of the immediate benefits many people feel when they start gardening is a sense of calm. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. When you’re focused on planting, pruning, or simply observing the beauty of your garden, the worries of the day tend to fade away. This process of being in nature is often called “green therapy,” and it works by grounding us, both mentally and physically.
The physical act of gardening—whether you’re digging, weeding, or watering—gives your mind a chance to slow down and focus on something positive. Unlike other activities that may increase stress (even some forms of exercise!), gardening gives you a peaceful, low-stakes environment where you’re not pressured to perform or achieve. Just being around plants and seeing green can have a calming effect on the mind, making gardening an excellent way to manage stress.
3. Gardening Enhances Mindfulness and Focus
Mindfulness is the art of being fully engaged in the present, without worrying about the past or the future, and it’s a practice often recommended for those struggling with anxiety and depression.
And in this gardening delivers mindfulness in spades. When digging a trench or handling a tiny seedling - it is one of those activities that insists you to be present in the moment.
When you’re gardening, whatever the task whether it is sowing, watering, trimming, or simply admiring your plants, you’re fully absorbed in the task at hand. This type of engagement allows you to take a break from racing thoughts and focus on something that brings calm and joy. Over time, regularly practicing mindfulness in the garden can help strengthen your ability to stay present in other areas of life too.
4. Gardening Encourages a Sense of Achievement and Purpose
One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is watching your plants grow and flourish. There’s a real sense of achievement in seeing something you’ve nurtured transform from a tiny seed into a full-blown flower, vegetable, or tree. This feeling of accomplishment can boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of purpose, especially when you see your hard work bear fruit (sometimes literally!).
I mean have you seen on social media how ridiculously proud people are of their first ever home grown tomato! When life feels out of control, the garden can be a source of empowerment. With each successful planting or harvested vegetable, you’re reminded of your ability to nurture life. These small victories can be incredibly meaningful for people struggling with low mood or self-doubt, helping them to build confidence in other areas of life as well.
5. Connects You with Nature and Community
Gardening connects you with nature in a way that’s grounding and fulfilling. There’s something deeply comforting about feeling a part of the earth, watching the cycles of life and growth in your garden.
But gardening doesn’t just connect you with nature—it can also foster a sense of community. Many people join gardening clubs, participate in community gardens, or attend plant swaps, creating a social aspect to what can otherwise be a solitary hobby. Community gardening can be especially beneficial for mental health, as it provides an opportunity to socialise, share gardening tips, and celebrate each other’s successes.
3 Ways to Start Gardening or Get Back into It
Not everyone has access to a garden of their own, but that doesn’t mean gardening is off-limits! Here are a few ways to get started, whether you’re a complete beginner or getting back into the swing of things.
Start with Indoor Plants
If you’re limited on space or don’t have access to a garden, indoor plants are an easy way to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Start small with low-maintenance plants like succulents or spider plants, which thrive indoors and don’t require a lot of attention. Not only do they brighten up your living space, but indoor plants can also improve air quality and create a more relaxing atmosphere.
If you know someone who has a spider plant then you could even start growing them for free - check out our Guide to Growing Spider Plants here.
Caring for indoor plants gives you a similar satisfaction to outdoor gardening, with tasks like watering, pruning, and even repotting when needed. Over time, as your plants grow and thrive, they’ll provide a sense of accomplishment and joy—right from your windowsill.
Three things to buy to get you started:
Vintage Ash Trowel - Earth Pots Windowsill set - Bamboo Pots
Join a Community Garden or Allotment
Community gardens are a fantastic resource for those without a private garden. They’re often available in urban areas, providing a communal space where people can plant, grow, and harvest their crops. Joining a community garden not only gives you access to soil and space but also allows you to connect with other gardening enthusiasts who can help you learn. You’ll learn new skills, exchange ideas, and even share harvests, building both your gardening knowledge and your social network.
Or if you really want to take the plunge sign up for an allotment plot of your own. There are often half plots available to get you started on your growing journey too so well worth looking into this as an option.
Three things to buy to get you started:
Vintage Ash Spade - Deep Rootrainers - Bamboo Seed Tray
Create a Balcony or Container Garden
If you have a balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill, container gardening is an excellent option. Almost anything can grow in a pot—from herbs and vegetables to flowers and small shrubs. Container gardening allows you to start small, with just a few pots, and then expand as you grow more comfortable with the process.
Click through to discover How to Grow an Edible container Garden here.
One benefit of container gardening is that it’s flexible and portable, meaning you can rearrange your plants as needed to make the most of sunlight or protect them from the weather. Plus, tending to a small balcony garden can still bring all the therapeutic benefits of a larger garden.
Three things to buy to get you started:
Easy Table Garden - Vigoroot Balcony Garden - Carrot Garden Planter
Fun Fact: Gardening Burns Calories and Boosts Activity Levels!
Did you know that gardening can actually be a great form of exercise? Studies have shown that a person can burn up to 300 calories per hour when gardening. Tasks like digging, planting, and weeding work a range of muscles, making it a light but effective workout. And it doesn’t stop there—gardeners tend to be active and take extra steps while working. It’s estimated that an hour spent in the garden can add an average of 4,000 to 5,000 steps to your day! That's a new year's resolution ticked off right there!
So, not only are you feeding your mind with relaxation and positivity, but you’re also giving your body a gentle workout. In fact, regular gardeners report lower BMI levels and better physical health compared to non-gardeners.
Get Out into the Garden!
Gardening can be a powerful way to care for your mental health, offering stress relief, a mood boost, and even a sense of accomplishment. Whether you have access to a large garden, a small balcony, or just a windowsill, there are plenty of ways to experience the benefits of this rewarding hobby. So, grab a pot, pick up a few plants, and start nurturing your mind along with your green fingers.
In the end, gardening is about cultivating life—and in doing so, you might just cultivate a happier, healthier version of yourself too.
If you are struggling with your mental health then gardening is something to add in to the mix and discuss with your helth care professional next time you meet. Happy gardening!