Can gardening improve your health and help the planet?

There’s a growing body of research that links good physical and mental health to being outside in nature. But, while a stroll on the beach or a hike in the bush is great, can we get our ‘green fix’ a little closer to home?

Experts say yes. Gardening has been shown to not only improve physical health and reduce the risk of dementia, but also to ease the symptoms of anxiety, reduce stress and improve mood.¹

Better yet, growing our own food, reducing waste and landfill through systems such as composting, and encouraging wildlife all have benefits for the environment.

Here are some ways to get started on your gardening journey (green fingers not required!).

Organic gardening is creating a garden without any synthetic products, including chemical fertilisers and pesticides.² Growing an organic garden allows you to enjoy gardening without worrying about the impact chemicals have on wildlife, the soil, or residue left on your fruits and veggies.

Having a chemical-free oasis in the face of a climate crisis is rewarding. Plus, it can be a much-needed refuge from negative news-cycles and doom-scrolling, both of which can cause stress and the symptoms of anxiety and depression.³

If you’re just starting out with organic gardening, remember not to be hard on yourself. You never stop learning, and finding your footing in an organic garden takes time. Look online for tips on how to start or speak to your local nursery.

Indigenous planting is integral to biodiversity.⁴

Indigenous plants are those that are both native to Australia and occur naturally in your local area. As well as giving native creatures a safe place to feed and shelter, indigenous plants are low maintenance. If you’re just starting out, these plants are the perfect choice.

Head to your local indigenous nursery to get some help. They’ll have a locally grown selection of indigenous plants that may be perfect for your garden.

While you’re dreaming up your perfect garden, don’t forget to factor in the pollinators (especially bees).⁵

You can create a pollinator’s garden by planting diverse plant species, fruit trees and herbs. It’s important to know that using chemicals to kill weeds can harm or kill our bee colonies, so be careful about what you’re using and opt for organic or homemade when you can.

Did you know that food waste doesn’t break down properly in our landfills? In fact, due to the lack of oxygen in landfills, the food scraps we throw out release harmful greenhouse gases including methane, which contributes to climate change.⁶

You can make a difference by composting your kitchen waste and turning food scraps into nutrient rich soil that can be used in your garden.

You can compost:

• fruit and veggie scraps
• ground coffee
• shredded paper and cardboard
• crushed eggshells
• pruning and lawn clippings.⁷

Gardening can be part of your mental health toolbox as something that reduces stress and brings you joy. It’s a great way to practice mindfulness and being in the present moment, something we know can benefit our mental wellbeing.⁸

The mental and physical benefits can be increased if you plant an edible garden. As well as ensuring you’re eating fresh produce (which benefits your body), the act of growing your own food can increase feelings of purpose and heighten self-esteem.⁹