Growth in Gardening

When people think of gardening the first response is usually "I don't have a green thumb. The truth is it doesn't take a green thumb. What it requires is a level of time and commitment. Once you decided to commit to your green friends the rewards are bountiful.

Over a year ago, I had no experience in gardening. My first attempt to grow anything came from a kit found in the dollar section at Target. I purchased this cute little cilantro pot and seed kit that comes out every summer at Target. I remember going straight home and planting my first seed. I was thrilled when the first leaves started to sprout. Needless to say, it did not end well. I left for a trip to San Francisco and when I got home the plant was dead. My failed attempt was not a result of my non-green thumb but rather my neglect for my plants needs.

In order for plants to grow and be successful it requires observation, time and patience from the grower. Without a level of commitment to the plant it will most likely die. I think that this is where people often tend to give up. When something goes wrong with the plant people automatically say its because they don't have a green thumb. Reality is, there was a problem and by not observing the plant it led to failure. It's unfortunate that people choose not to grow because the have deemed themselves with a non- green thumb. I too, for sometime opted out of growing. Fast forward to now and I have a successful garden plot that has given me a bountiful harvest. The act of gardening is not only about fresh vegetables but also the sense of purpose, reward and positive impacts on overall health.

The garden for me has been a positive experience and time again gardening has been proven to have a great impact. Some of these benefits include:

Improves Mental Health

When stress is experienced the levels of cortisol in the body rise. When the body is in this state it works in overdrive leading to a sense of fatigue and anxiousness. When you participate in stress reduction activities like gardening, deep breathing, yoga and exercise you regulate the stress response. The act of digging, watering, planting and getting fresh air reduce stress and tension.

Heart Health

Stress. Stress. Stress. It is the root of evil. When the body undergoes stress it undergoes a series of biological reactions that have negative impacts on health. For example, the heart rate and blood pressure rise putting stress on the heart. However, through constant moving in the garden two things are happening: Movement which is good for the cardiovascular system. Relaxation by focusing on other things like planting and pulling weeds the mind begins to calm.

Nutrients

Did you know that modern day agriculture depletes the soil of nutrients. So the tomato that you buy in a grocery store like Walmart has less nutrients than a tomato grown with organic methods. I grow organically meaning that no fertilizer or chemicals are used. I have never tasted a better carrot or tomato than the ones I grew in my garden. By choosing to grow your own food you are in control of what goes into your body. No pesticides, No problems. Better for the environment, better for your health.

Watching a garden grow gives you a sense of accomplishment. Accomplishment is directly connected to the release of dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is the "feel good" neurotransmitter so when we get reward from the garden it increases overall mood. So you see, it is more than just fresh food on the table it's a positive impact for overall health and mood.

If you have considered growing your own garden don't hesitate. There is so much knowledge readily available on the internet and a group of gardeners willing to help.