Health Benefits of Gardening
Gardening is an activity that can provide surprising health benefits. Whether you're digging, weeding, or watering, gardening offers good exercise that can improve your heart health as well as your immune system.
For beginners it is recommended to begin with a small size. A large garden can be overwhelming to newcomers, and too much gardening can stress plants.
Soil
Soil is a remarkable natural resource that provides a wide range of organisms. It is rich in minerals and retains water in a manner that is beneficial to plants. It also aids in regulating temperatures and provides a home for microorganisms that keep the garden healthy.
Soil is comprised of mineral particles (organic matter), dead and living organisms water and air. They are eco-systems in their own right and are among the most dynamic resources we have.
The mineral part of soil is formed by the forces like wind, water and temperature variations break them into smaller particles. These tiny particles are mixed with organic material like plant and animal remains, as they break down. This results in an amalgamation of clay, silt and sand, which is called soil.
When you are gardening, it is important to choose a location with a mixture of these three elements that drains well after rain and is accessible for watering. If you want to improve drainage in the area, you can add sand. If the soil has a lot of organic matter, you might be able to add humus or compost to improve it for gardening.
Adding organic matter to soil is one of the most important things you can do for your garden. Using the Back to Eden method, gardeners spread newspaper or cardboard in the first layer, and then add a few inches of compost on top of the top layer. Organic matter is home to microorganisms which will eventually transform the other elements of the soil into a suitable medium for planting. The fungi, bacteria and other soil organisms can help your plants grow healthy by giving them the nutrients they require.
Plants
Plants provide food and fiber. They also provide aesthetic appeal in gardens and forests, and create a beautiful environment. Botany is the study of plants in their natural surroundings while horticulture involves the cultivation and maintenance of garden plants .
Plants need nutrients to grow and stay healthy as humans do. The job of gardeners is to supply these nutrients in a healthy balance. These nutrients can affect the plant's growth, health, appearance and even taste.
Some gardeners plant plants for their medicinal properties, while others plant flowers, trees and shrubs for aesthetic reasons. Beautifully designed flowers and trees can be beautiful they provide shade, alter temperatures, block noise or wind, provide privacy, and help prevent erosion of soil. Shrubs such as boxwoods or hollyhocks can be used as an attractive natural fence or backdrop for a garden.
Gardeners who work in the gardens and view beautifully landscaped areas feel an overall sense of wellbeing and are more enthused about nature. Studies have also shown that children who take part in gardening programs tend to make healthier choices in their food and consume more vegetables and those who participate in horticulture activities enjoy improved strength and endurance. In addition, the presence of aesthetically-pleasing gardens and landscapes in hospital recovery rooms accelerates the healing process and provides patients with a feeling of comfort and compassion.
Weeds
Many gardeners think of weeds as unwanted plants that are competing with their flower or vegetable crops for water, sunlight and nutrients. While weeds can be competitive, they can also be beneficial species. They enrich the soil, attract beneficial insects repelling pests, and provide food and medicines.
They are indicators of soil conditions. Large patches of one weed could indicate an issue. For instance the dandelion (Danae sativa) and burdock have deep taproots which break up compacted or sour soil. Peppergrass (Lepidium verginicum) thrives in wet, acidic soil and plantain (Plantago spp.) Low fertility is evident in the weeds. It is difficult to control perennial weeds that have creeping roots, such as yellow nutsedge and common bermudagrass, by repeated cultivation. Each piece of soil plant material that is cut or raked up can develop roots and grow into a different plant.
Certain exotic weeds, such as knotweed (Piper nodosum) can grow from a single rooted part of stem or root. They can be found along fences, in gravel or under trees. They create a dense green mat that is hard to remove from the ground. In order to prevent knotweed from growing, a thick layer of mulch, spot-treating or hand-pulling is a good idea.
Certain garden weeds possess medicinal properties, like the stinging nettle. The leaves are rich in vitamins B2, A, C, and K and minerals like calcium, potassium iodine, magnesium iron zinc and chlorophyll. The elderberry's berries (Sambucus canadensis) are used as a substitute for coffee and the roots are said to ease inflammation, alleviate joint pain and increase circulation. The sweet flowers (Viola cornuta), which are found on periwinkle, attract beneficial insects. The seeds of the plant are used in herbal medicine.
Pests
There are many alternatives to pesticides. The best way to stay away from pests is good cultivation and soil amendments. Keep a close eye on plants and check the leaf's undersides at least once a week, in order that you can catch pests early. Additionally, mulches can be used to keep soil moisture in check and to deter the growth of weeds.
Aphids are common in the vegetable and fruit gardens. These tiny pear-shaped insects sucking sap from plants can cause fungal diseases to harm stems and leaves. Aphids can be identified through sticky honeydew that appears on the undersides of leaves.
Horticultural supply companies sell predatory insects that consume Aphids, such as ladybugs. Lacwings and praying mentises can also be effective in controlling the aphids. Aphids are also consumed by ground beetles and parasitic wasps.
If you already have a garden making it a place that attracts predatory bugs can reduce pest infestations. You can contribute by growing plants and flowers that offer appealing nectar or pollen for these natural enemies.
You can also use non-toxic options to eliminate certain pests. For instance Nematodes kill vine weevil larvae, or fungi eradicate diseases in plant tissue. Biological controls require patience as they take time to work.
If you do need to resort to pesticides, choose the safest ones. There are a variety of organic sprays that irritate the lungs and skin of pests, while also being safe for human skin and the environment. Some of them include garlic, hot pepper and onion sprays. Some contain fungi, bacteria or viruses that infect and kill the pests. Always check the label on the sprays you apply to ensure that they are safe for your garden.
Water
Gardening is a long-running process of experimentation and has been a source of discovery for centuries. Breeders are constantly developing new varieties of vegetables, flowers, and other plants through cross-breeding. This makes gardening more secure than in the past and also means that gardens are more resistant to the ravages of weather, pests and other environmental hazards.
Intentionally or unintentionally, gardens are often used to communicate political or social views. For instance certain gardeners might cultivate only native plants in their gardens to encourage an ecological mindset. Others may decide to create a garden that emphasizes their culture and heritage. Gardening is a wonderful form of exercise, and it can even aid in gaining health. Be Independent HomeCare conducted a study that showed gardening to be a good cardiovascular exercise. It can also lower blood pressure. This is because gardening involves manual labor that strengthens your heart.
It is essential to water your garden regularly and thoroughly. Most experts suggest taking the soil to a deep soak, meaning at least eight inches below the surface. This is a better method of watering since the soil on the surface tends to evaporate quickly. The water can get to the roots through getting soaked.
It is also recommended to use water that is low in sodium. High sodium content can damage plants, especially those with fine-textured soils. Squeezing soil between your forefingers and thumbs will reveal the sodium content in your garden water. If the soil feels soft and moist, you can use it. However, if the soil is spongy or it smears on your hands, you need to change the water you're using.