Gardening 101: How Planting a Garden Brings Vitality to Your Life  

It’s no surprise that gardening is the most popular hobby in the United States. People love it for the wholesome satisfaction of growing something from the earth. The cathartic and therapeutic properties and the beauty of the gardening process—from the start of a seed or bulb to the blooming, fragrant end product – are hard to match.

But you may not be aware of how beneficial gardening is for your health. While preparing a garden plot to grow fresh veggies, or while turning the compost pile, you’re actually doing a decent amount of exercise as well! According to Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, gardening burns between 250-500 calories per hour depending on the particular activity.  Also, the energy you exert tilling soil is equal to the energy you exert swimming laps.

Gardening is a unique form of exercise that allows you to do something calming, creative and fun while you work various muscle groups and get a moderate level of cardiovascular exercise. Gardening can also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels if you do it for around 30 minutes per day. You can reap almost the same health advantages from gardening as you would from a workout in the gym, and it isn’t just your body that benefits. Your mind and emotions can also improve. The environment of a garden and the act of picking the fruits of your labor has the seemingly magical ability to reduce stress levels. After all, who wouldn't rather be out in the sunshine among plants than in a crowded room with music blaring doing stomach crunches? Get out there, start digging, and the benefits multiply.

If you have children, gardening can be a profound way to teach a greater appreciation and understanding of how food is grown. Start by giving them responsibility for their own little patch in the garden. It’s a good idea for them to plant some fast growers, such as lettuce or radish, to keep their interest. Most kids take pride in their commitment to their own area, from watering to weeding to eventually picking peppers and tomatoes to add to the dinner table. They'll also learn firsthand how cooking with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits grown from scratch is especially satisfying. Just imagine their favorite dish served up with carrots, broccoli and peppers fresh from your garden, like this Cheesy Veggie Potato Topping. It's always a hit with the kids, easy to make and nutritious. Another recipe that's made truly special with home grown veggies is Cheesy Broccoli Soup.

So go ahead, soak up the colors, sounds and smells of your garden and take time to appreciate the peace and tranquility. Gardening takes you on a unique journey of discovery, both in solitude or when planting with your family. It gives new opportunity to exercise your mind and your hands, and there’s always something new to learn from gardening. Best of all, it combines the joys of growing your own delicious food with outdoor exercise.