Why you should consider taking up gardening as a hobby

Gardening has been and continues to be a popular pastime for many individuals across the UK. Waiting lists for allotments in England have almost doubled in 12 years, with people craving a green plot they can call their own. While having your garden or plot gives you more flexibility, you could always help in someone else’s garden if you don’t have one.

Here’s why you should embrace gardening as a hobby.

Connecting with nature and reducing stress

Firstly, being out in nature can enhance your mental wellbeing. According to the mental health charity Mind, it can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress or anger. The mental satisfaction that comes from nurturing plants shouldn’t be underestimated.Other benefits centre around the reduction of loneliness if you spend time with like-minded people who also enjoy gardening. This is why allotments can play a great role in people’s social lives.

Beyond the mental benefits, gardening is considered a light form of exercise, making it a great option for those who struggle with their mobility. It’s a very inclusive activity for this reason. Planting flower bulbs is an excellent way to begin your gardening journey, as they require minimal effort yet provide a rewarding display of colours.

Growing your own food and sustainability

Gardening is the ideal hobby if you’re keen to tap into sustainable practices. Not only does growing your fruit, veg and herbs mean you can reduce the number of food miles in your shopping basket, but it also means you can tap into more organic food-growing practices that don’t involve pesticides or genetic modification. This all makes a difference when lowering your carbon footprint.

There are plenty of health benefits associated with eating fresh, organic products too. Even the smallest of gardens can yield a significant amount of food. Plus, it can be cheaper.Growing plants with nectar can also attract bees and other forms of biodiversity. This is more important now than ever, especially in urban areas with little green space for wildlife to thrive in.

Gardening as a creative outlet

Gardening can also be viewed as a creative outlet. It requires planning and thought as you craft your ideal set-up. You can experiment with different garden layouts and plant combinations. It’s just as much a visual activity as it is a practical one. Many people find their passion for garden landscaping and creating wonderful, colourful spaces.You could even tap into particular décor themes, from a Japanese-inspired garden to a ‘cottage core’ feel. Take the opportunity to invest in tables, chairs or water features to enhance the space further and allow you to enjoy it all year round.