Health benefits to gardening

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Did you know that gardening is not only great exercise, but that playing in the dirt can keep you healthy both physically and mentally?

It’s true. Dirt has so many different things growing in it, it actually helps build your immune system by exposing you to these microbes. In fact, the BBC recently did an article all about how it can help.

Here’s just a few reasons why gardening is great for your health:

  • Good exercise when digging or planting
  • Exposes you to sunshine for vitamin D (wear sunscreen!)
  • Dirt microbes can help strengthen your immune system
  • Peaceful space for a mental health break
  • Growing your own food is not only an accomplishment but can also be more nutritious
  • Growing flowers can help the pollinators, which help food production
  • Great bonding experience with children or friends (unless you prefer alone time)

Spring flowers getting ready for full bloom

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Yellow daffodil

Spring is my favorite season. Everything gradually wakes up from the winter nap and pops of color fill the world. Around this time in South Carolina, some early flowers start to bloom – giving a peek as to what is ahead.

Right now, in my yard, I have calendula, petunias and daffodils.

Spring flowers getting big!

Soon, there will be tulips, irises and Hyacinth. I can’t wait for them to pop.

I’ve also got some seeds started for late spring/summer flowers including multiple kinds of sunflowers, a variety of zinnias, marigolds, cosmos and strawflowers. This will be my first year with strawflowers and I can’t wait to see how they’ll do. I also have an abundance of lilies and dahlias that I am looking forward to this year.

So, I ask, what are your favorite flowers? Have you had success in growing them? Let me know.