Gardening for health

June 23, 7:17 AMPortland Holistic Health ExaminerAqiylah Collins

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Summer garden: lettuce, zucchini, peppers ...

Whether growing flowers or herbs, raising fruits and vegetables, or landscaping gardening integrates at least 6 elements of good health.

MENTAL. Hard work, dedication, and responsibility foster a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Watching plants grow from seedlings breeds optimism. These reasons make gardening an ideal activity to combat the blues, and for children and elders.

PHYSICAL. Pass on the power tools and garden by hand. Squatting, digging, and lifting not only work off tension and excess energy but also burn calories and build muscle. Walking, mowing, pruning, raking, hoeing, and weeding strengthen heart and lungs. Research shows that gardening tasks help improve hand strength in older adults and helps promote better sleep.

CREATIVE. Through the observation of wildlife and seasons, gardening cultivates a connection with life’s natural rhythms. Creativity is expressed through colorful landscaping, floral arrangements, flowerpot painting, garden design or the culinary crafting of produce, herbs and edible flowers into nutritious meals.

INTELLECTUAL/SOCIAL. Developing a hobby requires learning new things. The desire to increase their knowledge of plants, ecosystems, natural habitats, and harvesting methods, encourages gardeners to read, take classes and join local garden groups.

FINANCIAL. Even a small garden can save money! Simply investing a few dollars in seeds or starter plants can supply your family with hundreds of dollars in produce.
•    Plant foods your family eats regularly
•    If you’re new or have limited space, stick to staples – onions, peppers, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers are a good start and provide enough to meet the minimal recommended 5 daily vegetable servings
•    You’re bound to grow more than you need, so establish a cooperative share with neighbors. Plan ahead to grow different crops and supply one another with variety

SPIRITUAL. Gardening reduces stress by tapping into our inherent kinship with nature. Think of a botanical garden. Its esthetic beauty evokes images of a spiritual haven, inspires calm reflection, restores balance and perspective, and lowers blood pressure. Research shows that exposure to nature helps people to heal faster. The song of nearby birds, the enticing fragrance of lilac, the flavor of fresh ripe tomatoes still warm from the sun ... simply put, gardening satisfies the soul.

When you are ready, check with OSU Metro Extension for tips on urban gardening, information on sustainable living, events, questions, and resources in the Portland area. Then start gardening and boost your wellness quotient.

Learn more about growing your own food.