Gardening is good for your soul

It’s something that we gardeners have known for a long time but which science has now caught up with: getting your hands into the soil is great for your wellbeing.

In an age where we’re constantly glued to our gadgets, rushing from one thing to the next, and being bombarded by endless noise, it’s no surprise that our mental health can take a bit of a battering.  While therapy or self-care guides certainly have their place, there’s something beautifully simple and powerful about reconnecting with nature. There are many ways you could do that, of course, but for us it’s gardening.

The beauty of gardening is that it doesn’t need to be grand.  Even if you’re thinking “but I don’t have a garden!”, you can still do something. A few pots on a balcony, some herbs on a windowsill or seeking out your nearest community garden can do wonders. It's not about size, it’s about nurturing something and giving yourself the time and space to just ‘be’.

The Joy of Small Wins

Modern life can feel overwhelming and at such speed: there’s always more to do or more to worry about. Gardening is on a completely different pace. You plant a seed, you care for it and, one day, a tiny green shoot pokes through the soil. It might be a small win but it can give you an incredible sense of achievement!  Moments of progress like this, however tiny, can be hugely uplifting if you’re feeling low or anxious.

Caring for plants can also give a real sense of purpose. They rely on you and feeling responsible for something else can help you feel more in control of your own life, in a strange but marvellous way. In a world of instant gratification, watching something grow slowly over time can be incredibly grounding and help give you a sense of perspective.  For those who struggle with depression, even just getting out of bed can feel like a massive task.  Gardening can give you a reason to get up, go outside and do something that really gets results.

A Natural Mood-Booster

One of the most obvious benefits of gardening is that it gets you outdoors. Sunshine (when we’re lucky enough to get it!), fresh air and the sights and sounds of the natural world all contribute to a better mood.   Gardening can be a physical work-out, of course.  From double-digging your veg patch to simply reaching up to deadhead your shrubs, your body is active and using your muscles.  Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of gardening can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boost feelings of happiness. It’s nature’s very own antidepressant – and it’s free.

There’s also something deeply calming about the rhythm of gardening. Whether it’s weeding, planting, or watering, the repetitive actions can act almost like a form of meditation. It gives your brain a break from the constant chatter, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.   

Connection and Community

Gardening doesn’t have to be a solo activity either. All over the UK, community gardens are popping up in parks, allotments, and shared spaces and they’re doing more than just growing veg. They’re growing friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging.  (We think the Hinkler Green Community Market Garden is the closest to us but please get in touch if you know of others in this area!)

For many, particularly older adults or people living alone, loneliness is a huge challenge. Gardening together creates opportunities to chat, share tips and enjoy the simple pleasure of working alongside others. And there’s something lovely about bonding over a wonky carrot or an unexpectedly massive courgette!

Mindful Moments in a Messy World

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword of late but we think gardening was the original mindful activity; just think about why Japanese temple gardens are so ‘zen’!   Gardening encourages you to slow down, be present in the moment and connect with something real. When your hands are in the soil and your focus is on the next seedling, there’s no space for doom-scrolling or overthinking. Just the here and now.

And perhaps that’s what we all need more of; a bit of quiet, a little dirt under our fingernails and the reminder that, even in chaos, life always finds a way to keep growing.

Whether you have a large allotment or just a pot on your windowsill, make time for some gardening. Your mind will thank you for it.  (And, if you need some inspiration for what to do in your garden this month, try these.)

Looking for a little inspiration on how to create a calming space in your own garden?
Come and explore our Eastern Water Feature Garden – just one of several beautifully landscaped gardens at our centre. From tranquil stone water features and peaceful ponds to hidden seating areas and lush planting, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and gather ideas for your own outdoor sanctuary. Why not pop in and experience it for yourself?