Research on the benefits of gardening continues to accumulate. Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder report that “the first-ever, randomized, controlled trial of community gardening found that those who started gardening ate more fiber and got more physical activity—two known ways to reduce risk of cancer and chronic diseases. They also saw their levels of stress and anxiety significantly decrease. . . . those who came into the study most stressed and anxious seeing the greatest reduction in mental health issues. The study also confirmed that even novice gardeners can reap measurable health benefits of the pastime in their first season.” Study findings were published in Lancet Planetary Health.
“The Scientific Reasons You Should Resolve to Start Gardening in 2023.” 2023. Press release, University of Colorado Boulder, https://www.colorado.edu/today/2023/01/05/scientific-reasons-you-should-resolve-start-gardening-2023