Gardening is a great way to get your whole family outside. Being in nature has many benefits for your mental and physical health. For example, it can encourage movement and reduce stress. Plus, it supplies you with fresh and flavorful ingredients for your next meal.
Consider the following benefits of gardening with the whole family.
1. It’s a Low-Effort Activity for Older Adults
Gardening with your parents or grandparents can be a fun way to bond. It requires minimal fast-paced activity, so it’s perfect for older adults. For example, they can help dig or even suggest the placement of new plants. They can do this all while sitting down to prevent fatigue.
Planting can also improve their mobility and decrease the risk of dementia. Plus, gardening gets them out of the house, which can reduce feelings of loneliness.
2. It Brings Couples Together
It can be hard to spend time with your partner due to busy schedules. Planting is a fun activity that gets you outside. Plus, the reduced stress levels allow you to enjoy each other’s company more. It can also encourage you to work together and have a shared interest, and you can turn it into a weekly date activity.
Be sure to determine the type of garden you want and which plants to add. Ensure you each have your own section of the plot, so you’re not stepping on each other’s toes.
3. It Allows for More Family Time
Gardening gives the whole family a chance to bond. It can be an easy way to plan a physical activity everyone can enjoy and create a sense of shared accomplishment.
Assign each person a task so everyone’s involved. For example, someone can plant the seeds and another person can decide where things should go. This teaches your children responsibility and cooperation. Plus, it’s a fun family activity that won’t break the bank. It’s a good idea to invest in an outdoor fan for the summer and a fire pit for the winter so you’re prepared for all seasons.
4. It Shows Your Kids the Benefits of Farm-to-Table
Farm-to-table means the ingredients go directly from the farm to the restaurant. In your case, you’re the farmer. And the restaurant! The main benefit of this is enjoying healthy food and saving yourself a trip to the grocery store. This method is also better for the environment since it reduces fuel emissions and uses less plastic packaging.
You also waste less food, since you can grow things you know your family will enjoy. Showing your kids the value of harvesting fresh crops might encourage them to have their own plot someday.
5. It Encourages Exercise
Landscaping promotes physical activity for all ages, from digging to planting. We need to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week. The more physical activity you do, the stronger your heart will be. This will help you efficiently pump blood and deliver oxygen to other parts of your body. Gardening can be a fun way to encourage physical activity in younger kids, as well.
Running a lap may feel like a chore. Gardening includes interactive elements, such as selecting produce, that make exercise more enjoyable. It can also be a good way for you and your spouse to vary your workout routine.
6. It Improves Your Mood
Everyone in your family experiences pressure, whether from work or school. Growing food is an excellent stress reliever due to your exposure to sunlight and the relaxing nature of repetitive tasks. Being outside lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases serotonin, which acts as a mood stabilizer.
In addition, landscaping can take your mind off everyday anxieties. It’s important to reduce stress so it doesn’t interfere with other areas of your life, such as work or personal relationships.
7. It Encourages Your Children to Get Outside
Many children spend a lot of time indoors on their electronics. A family garden encourages your kids to get outside and experience nature. You can even make tending to the plot a daily activity. The average child spends seven hours a day in front of screens, which can cause weight gain, poor posture and eye strain. It can also impact their mental health by causing anxiety, mood swings and changes in appetite.
Even in winter, your kids can get in touch with nature. Try incorporating biophilic design into your home or a small indoor garden. By adding bits of greenery throughout your home, it gives your children the opportunity to be stimulated by nature and create routine by helping to care for plants year-round.
8. It Helps You Sleep Better
More exercise and reduced stress can help you sleep better. You need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Plus, being outside in the sunlight naturally tires you out. Better rest can help you and your partner be more productive at work. It can improve children’s academic performance as well. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your memory and mood. This can make it harder to stay organized and maintain healthy relationships.
9. It Promotes Healthier Eating
Sometimes it can be a challenge to get your kids to eat vegetables. Growing your own is a good way to expose them to different types of produce. They may feel more inspired to eat the veggies they grow themselves. You can even get them more involved by taking them to the store to buy seeds. Gardening can also help you kick your own bad eating habits. Plus, it’s a simple way to add a side of fresh vegetables to each meal.
10. It’s Good for Your Pets
Your furry friend can run around the yard while you’re gardening. It also provides mental stimulation from different sights and reduces their anxiety. Create a section especially for your dog to explore to ensure your plot is safe from being trampled. Build wider pathways and utilize raised beds or gardens in containers. Use fewer chemicals and research toxic vegetation in your area to keep your pet healthy.
11. It Can Boost Your Self-Esteem
You can always learn how to garden, even if you don’t have a green thumb. Growing and sustaining a plant lets you gain more confidence in yourself. This can be especially beneficial for younger children who are building their self-esteem. You can take this drive and motivation into other areas of your life. For example, you may feel more confident taking on challenging work assignments. Higher self-esteem is also important for maintaining healthy relationships.
Why Gardening Should Be Your Next Family Activity
A garden is a great chance to make memories with your family. It is an activity that is perfect for all ages, from your children to grandparents. It also provides many physical and mental health benefits, such as increased exercise and reduced stress. Build your plot today and start reaping what you sow!
Rose Morrison is a home living writer with over five years experience writing in the industry. She is the managing editor of Renovated.com and loves to cover home renovations and decor to inspire everyone to live their best DIY life. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth.
Header Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Strawberries Photo by Virginie-Sankara on Unsplash
Plant hand Photo by Benjamin Combs on Unsplash
Planting Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash
Watering Photo by Filip Urban on Unsplash
Vegbox Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Family Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash