If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, it’s that we can’t take our health for granted. This trying time has shown us how to be thankful for what we have and learn to be happy — even if that means staying home for extended periods of time. In today’s post from Frostproof Growers Supply, we want to talk about the benefits of gardening and how it can help you stay healthy now, and well-after this unique time in history has passed. Keep reading, and if you need garden supplies or even basic tips on how to garden, visit our website for more information.
If you aren’t an avid gardener or don’t know that much about gardening, you might be wondering how it can possibly help you stay healthy. The fact is, you don’t have to be a vegetarian or training to run a marathon to stay healthy. Gardening offers several benefits and the best part is that it’s available to just about everyone. Even if you don’t have a large yard or a green thumb, you can still take advantage of all that gardening has to offer.
Provides Entertainment at Home
Much of the world is currently dealing with the effects of Covid-19, and in the U.S. many states have enacted a stay-at-home mandate to prevent the spread of this rampant virus. With so many people staying at home, it’s only a matter of time before many of them run out of things to do and get bored. The worst thing you can do is risk your health and the health of others by venturing out beyond your neighborhood. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to start spending more and more time on your couch deciding on what to binge-watch next.
Gardening is a fun hobby that anyone can do, and there are so many ways to get involved. You can start by planting a few seeds or you can choose to grow a huge garden — how you decide to garden is entirely up to you. For those who really want to get involved and learn all about gardening, there are endless resources on the internet including on our very own website. Check out our Gardening Tips section for easy-to-read topics ranging from “Tips for Beginning Gardeners” to “What to Plant for Spring.”
Exposes You to Fresh Air and Sunshine
As we mentioned above, it can become all too easy to wear a permanent spot on your couch. One way to stay healthy during this time of quarantine (or really anytime, for that matter) is to make sure you’re getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Being out in the sun provides your body with much-needed vitamin D which is essential for boosting your immune system. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it and you always wear sun protection such as sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat. If you’re spending more time outdoors be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks, particularly if it’s hot and humid outside.
Reduces Stress
It goes without saying that this is a particularly stressful time for most people. Maybe you know someone who has been diagnosed with the virus. Even if you don’t, you hear about it on every news channel and social media is consumed by it. Even if you take a break from all sources of media, you’re likely worried about the health of your loved ones, and you have more time to think and worry since you’re spending so much more of your time at home.
Gardening can provide a much-needed stress release. There’s just something calming and peaceful about becoming one with nature and digging in the dirt. Working hard to plant, grow, and harvest beautiful flowers or a vegetable garden also gives you a sense of accomplishment — which is something that is welcomed during this time when many things seem to be out of our control.
Grow Healthy Foods
Although gardening can keep you occupied and help you get outside more often, let’s not forget that you can actually grow and eat your own healthy food! Studies show that fruits and vegetables bought at a grocery store often have fewer nutrients because they were picked green and shipped across many miles. They also likely spend weeks in a warehouse before ever making it to your store shelf. Growing your own food can help you get more of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to help it stay healthy.
Appreciation for What You Have
Any avid gardener will likely tell you that gardening is an enjoyable pastime, but it can also be a lot of hard work. Starting an herb or vegetable garden is a great way for you (and your kids) to have a better appreciation of the abundance of food we have and how much work it takes to make it. Once you harvest that first carrot or you take a bite of your first home-grown tomato, you’ll likely savor every bite.
Shop Frostproof Growers Supply
- We encourage all of our friends and neighbors both in Frostproof and around the world to do what they can to stay safe and healthy. One way you can do that is by trying your hand at gardening. If you need some new gardening supplies to get started, we’ll ship everything you need right to your door! Shop Frostproof Growers Supply today.