Gardeners know, and research shows, that cultivating plants is beneficial for us. Gardening has been associated with improvements in attitudes toward health and nutrition, better school performance for kids, and community spirit. Every April communities, groups, and individuals celebrate National Garden Month. Gardening can be a great way to enjoy being outside, get exercise, enhance the community, and grow fruits and vegetables.
Benefits of Gardening and Safety Tips:
- Fruits and vegetables - more matters. Gardens can motivate children to try new fruits and vegetables, and kids are eager to taste the 'fruits' of their labor. Fruits and vegetables are an important source of vitamins and minerals, provide fiber, color and texture, and may reduce disease risk, but few children or adults eat recommended amounts. Gardening with your kids will get them excited about the plants on their plate.
- Increase physical activity. Doing light gardening/yard work for approximately 30-60 minutes can burn anywhere from 165 to 330 calories, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov. Light gardening/yard work is considered moderate physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest gardening as a way to get some of the 2 ½ hours of recommended weekly activity. If you have been inactive, start out gradually each day, building up time and intensity. Vary your gardening activities to keep it fun and broaden the benefits.
- Grow a successful garden. According to the National Gardening Association, the best way to launch a successful garden is to start small and choose varieties that do well in your area. You might start with vegetables your children already enjoy, or try selecting plants around a theme such as a rainbow garden to increase their interest.
- Gear up for gardening with safety. Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants when using lawn mowers or other machinery. Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants and protect your hearing when using loud machinery. Lower your risk for sunburn by wearing long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. As the gardening season progresses, it’s important to be smart about staying hydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replace lost fluids. Sipping throughout the day is better than saving up for meals or breaks.
- Take breaks. Take breaks often and rest in shaded areas so your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover. Stop working if you experience breathlessness or muscle soreness. Signs of heat-related illness include extremely high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness.
Gardening can have a positive impact on eating habits, physical activity level, and overall well-being. Whether you are a beginner or expert gardener, health and safety are always important. Nebraska Extension has lots of resources on gardening from the Nebraska Master Gardener Program, growing local foods, Backyard Farmer, and how to cook with fresh herbs. For more information and resources related to gardening, check out the following from Nebraska Extension for the home, community, and greenhouse at http://food.unl.edu/gardening.
Feel free to use/adapt Healthy Bites material (with credit) for your own articles, blogs, handouts, etc. An example credit line would be: Authored by or Adapted from Lisa Franzen-Castle, PhD, RD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Nutrition Specialist. Healthy Bites Newsletter, April 2017, at http://food.unl.edu/april-2017-healthybites-gardening.
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More resources:
All the Healthy Bites. Healthy Bites is a newsletter that focuses on a different food, nutrition and / or health theme for each month.
Cook it Quick. Our goal is to make you "hungry for healthy food" by offering tips and delicious, quick-to-prepare, inexpensive recipes.
Food Reflections. Food Reflections is a monthly email newsletter. Each issue provides a "how-to" message on food, nutrition, or food safety for health professionals, educators, and consumers.
Family Fun on the Run. Monthly newsletters are designed to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by making walking an important part of your personal fitness program.
Food Fun for Young Children. Serving up quick, healthy snack ideas for younger children.
Nebraska Extension Food, Nutrition, and Health by the Month Calendar. National Food Days, Weeks, and Months for April.