Digging for the Benefits of Gardening

Gardening has always been apart of my family. Every home I have ever lived in has had a garden. My father is from the low country outside of Charleston, South Carolina so he grew up on a huge farm and much of my childhood was spent on that farm during our school vacations. Recently, we had a scare and my father had to go to the hospital to get checked out because we thought he was having a heart attack. For most people, this would be a scary and overwhelming situation. But that was not the case for my father. As my dad lay in the emergency room, all he is asking for is a cup of water, not to drink though as you would imagine. He wants a cup of water to put seeds in to determine which seeds are good and which are bad. You see, gardening is a part of who he is. It is more than just something he does for fun, but rather it is food for his spirit. It is what ties him to his childhood and his roots and it is an important part of his life. It is where he finds peace, comfort, and solace.For people like my father, gardening usually starts as a part of their childhood. Many people grow up on farms or in areas where people grow crops to feed their families and support them financially. Gardening involves growing anything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and plants. All involve preparing the soil and planting a seed. Then you water that seed and watch it grow. Gardening is such a fulfilling thing because you get to see and enjoy the fruits of your labor firsthand. That is why many people get addicted to gardening because it is so rewarding. You have to guard your garden to ensure that pests and animals don’t get to it so gardening takes a lot of nurturing and time to ensure the success of your garden. Many people who grew up with family gardens, always have one even as they’ve moved away from their childhood home.

For people like my father, gardening usually starts as a part of their childhood. Many people grow up on farms or in areas where people grow crops to feed their families and support them financially. Gardening involves growing anything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and plants. All involve preparing the soil and planting a seed. Then you water that seed and watch it grow. Gardening is such a fulfilling thing because you get to see and enjoy the fruits of your labor firsthand. That is why many people get addicted to gardening because it is so rewarding. You have to guard your garden to ensure that pests and animals don’t get to it so gardening takes a lot of nurturing and time to ensure the success of your garden. Many people who grew up with family gardens, always have one even as they’ve moved away from their childhood home.

For most people, gardening is not just something they do as a past time. In the times we live in people are often so busy with their daily lives that they look for a way to reduce their stress levels and take their minds off of their anxieties. Gardening is a great way to achieve that. Gardening gives you time to plant and watch fruits, vegetables, and flowers just to name a few grow. Gardening gives you time to work with your hands while clearing your mind. You can use the time you spend in your garden to clear your head and meditate, helping you to stay grounded and focused. Gardening is also beneficial for the environment and can really brighten up neighborhoods. Everyone loves to see a well-maintained garden and marvel at them.

Another benefit of gardening is that you are able to see first hand what is going into your food. Many people worry today about the influx of pesticides and other harmful toxins on their food. These toxins can cause many serious health conditions so this concern is very valid. When you plant and grow your own food you are able to avoid dangerous toxins. Gardening allows you to control what is used to keep pests away and this enables you to avoid feeding dangerous chemicals to yourself and your family. Many people want to eat organically but are unable to afford to do so. By having a garden you are able to grow crops organically yourself, lessening the cost of eating in such a way. If your garden is fruitful, you can even share with your family and friends.

You may find that you agree with a point or two mentioned thus far but have no idea how to even get started. You may be wondering, what do you plant? Or even how do you take care of your garden? First, you should find an area that you want to have your garden located. Ensure that the area gets good sunlight and water but not too much of either since that can be detrimental to your crop. Then prepare the soil for seed planting. As far as what to plant, that is all up to you. If you want to grow things you can eat, think about foods that you and your family enjoy. It would be unreasonable to plant tomatoes if no one in your family eats tomatoes. So think about foods that your family would enjoy so that you are not being wasteful of the crops. If you are not planning to grow food items, you can plant flowers or greenery. It is a great idea to visit a local garden center and ask the employees for suggestions. Some things grow best in certain environments so you want to ask what grows best where you live. Also, ask for advice as to how to care for your garden. People who work in garden centers are great resources to help you make decisions. Also, don’t hesitate to do your own research online or at the library so you have a plan before you start your gardening.

Lastly, a benefit that is worth mentioning is the benefit to children. Gardening allows your child to gain responsibility. A garden does require time. You have to prepare the soil, plant your seeds, and watch over the garden to make sure that bugs don’t damage your crops. By having your child help you to maintain your garden helps them to gain accountability and see firsthand what happens when you’re responsible. It helps them to see that if they don’t take care of it they cannot expect it to grow successfully. So make your gardening experience a family affair and don’t leave out the little ones.

Whether you’re new to gardening or an old pro like my father, don’t allow yourself to hesitate. Gardening is fun so do some research, choose what you want to plant, and give it a try. You never know if you have a green thumb until you try. So put on some comfy clothes and pick a spot to start your garden. By the way, in case you were wondering, my dad wasn’t having a heart attack, thank God, literally! It was indigestion. Happy gardening!

Dana R. Boyd