The Power of Pottering

Gardening isn’t just about flowers and veggies – it’s about wellbeing; in a life that’s madly fast-moving and incredibly demanding on all of us, getting out into our gardens (or someone else’s!) is one of the best things we can do for our physical AND mental health.

I know it’s a cliché, but I only really began to feel the benefits of pootling around with my plants in my mid forties. I wonder whether this mid-life love of gardening might be something to do with the fact that this can be one of the most challenging chapters of our lives, when we need it most?!

🌱Let’s ‘dig’ into the science (sorry)…

🪴Soil & happy hormones: there are magical microbes in soil (Mycobacterium vaccae) which activate the neurons in our brains which produce serotonin. How amazing is that? Getting your fingers into the soil can act like a natural antidepressant.

(Lowry et al (2007); University of Bristol)

🐛 Pottering in the garden lowers stress levels: studies have shown that gardening can significantly lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels & improve mood – much more than doing something relaxing indoors.

(Van den Berg & Custers (2011); Wageningen University)

☀️Sunlight & vitamin D exposure: even if it isn’t particularly sunny, being ourdoors increases our exposure to Vitamin D, which can support bone health, immune health & even cardiovascular disease, as well as boosting mood!

(Holick (2004); Boston University Medical Centre)

🐌 Cognitive benefits: Mooching around in the garden can really help to ground us (especially in bare feet!); planting, pruning or just seeing how things are growing can distract us from spiralling negative thoughts, and from cognitive overload. It forces us to slow down a little bit and tune into the moment, settling the mind.

(Clatworthy et al (2013); Mental Health Review Journal)

😷Soil & immunity: There is a theory (‘Old Friends’ Hypothesis’) which suggests that soil microbes help to boost the immune system – it’s the same idea that over-sanitised environments may be contributing to increased rates of autoimmune diseases etc. Getting our hands muddy may promote microbial diversity, and actually stop us getting so sick!

(Rook (2013); University College London)

🪴So let’s all get out into a garden more regularly! You don’t need a huge garden or allotment – even a few pots on a windowsill, a little raised bed, or a few hours volunteering at a local community garden can be hugely beneficial. Or ask an elderly neighbour if they need some help in their garden.

Next time life feels overwhelming, step outside. Let your hands sink into the soil. Take time to admire the structure of a plant, or watch a bee. Breathe in the scent of leaves and earth. And let nature work its magic.