Spring has sprung! With the arrival of this new season comes warm breezes, new blossoms, blue skies and… the necessity to maintain physical distance from other humans?! These new measures aren’t ideal for a picnic in the park, but there are plenty of other fun ways to embrace the extra free time you might have. Perhaps planting a garden might be up your alley! With the help of our wonderful student volunteers from the TREK program, we’ve put together five reasons to get your hands in the soil:
1) GET OUTDOORS AND LEARN NEW SKILLS
Gardening is a fantastic excuse to get outside... so get out there and load up on fresh air and mood-boosting Vitamin D! If you don’t have outdoor space, that’s no problem; windowsill gardens are easy to set up and maintain with a few basic supplies, and they can be just as successful - just ask the kids who have participated in our programs! There is so much to learn about this satisfying hands-on activity, and the best way to learn is to do. Having a young helper makes this activity all the more engaging.
2) IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
Have you been staring at a screen all day? If you’re looking for a reason to get up, clear your mind, and move your body, a trip to the garden might be in order. Did you know that contact with soil is thought to naturally raise serotonin levels - gardening can literally make people happier! So get up and bury your hands in the soil for a natural pick-me-up.
3) GROW YOUR OWN FOOD
Is there anything more satisfying than eating a pea plucked fresh from the vine? Or fresh lettuce that you’ve watched grow? Not only do you know exactly what you’re eating and where it came from, but you’re ensuring you have healthy, chemical-free food at hand. Not to mention, the sense of pride that comes with being a little bit more self-sufficient!
4) HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
When you’re nurturing a garden, you’re creating urban greenspace that helps to clean the air we breathe and supports local pollinators! While beautifying your home and neighbourhood, you’ll also be making some bees and butterflies very happy.
5) BUILD COMMUNITY
Whether you’re growing plants inside or outdoors, gardening is a great way to bond with neighbours and fellow hobby-ists. Gardens provide a lovely physical space to connect, and also a common talking point! There are many people who are happy to share tips and knowledge.