Research shows that gardening has a plethora of benefits; it can help physical, emotional, and mental health. As an added bonus, organic gardening is a wonderful way to attract beautiful pollinators, such as butterflies, reduce food waste, and encourage your children to spend more time in nature (and less time indoors or online). Below, we’ve listed just a few of organic gardening’s benefits.

微信图片_20170707125053

1. Gardening improves social and interpersonal skills.

In a time when technology overuse is concerning, gardening is a great way to encourage your children to form real-world bonds. Children who garden are more likely to form meaningful relationships with their parents, teachers, and peers, and have more empathy for others. Gardening can also help refine social and interpersonal skills, improving one’s self-understanding, sense of responsibility, and maturity.

2. Gardening improves physical health.

These days, we are surrounded by so much technology and so many processed foods that it can be challenging to take care of our bodies. Gardening is an enjoyable way to encourage your children to exercise regularly and eat healthily. People who garden have better relationships with their food, exercise more consistently and for longer periods of time, and have boosted immune systems. Gardening also gives children a chance to build their fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, plants help us reduce air pollution, which is especially important in large cities.

微信图片_20170707125041

3. Gardening improves emotional health.

Gardening improves self-esteem and alleviates anxiety and depression in a number of ways. It is a meditative activity that has the potential to foster healthy relationships and ward off boredom, allowing children to self-reflect and form social bonds. Horticulture therapy is an increasingly popular tool to help people who have mental health struggles. Fun fact: soil contains microorganisms that physically alter brain chemistry and make you happier. Simply being in nature is an effective means of improving mental health.

4. Gardening improves cognitive abilities.

Gardening is an amazing tool to help children learn. Gardeners are problem solvers, creative thinkers, and high achievers because they have to plan, organize, analyze, devise solutions, and more. Children who garden are more likely to be curious about science than those who don’t, and are more interested in the natural world.

Including a garden at home or in your classroom is a great way to cultivate personal development and enhance your child’s/students’ many abilities.