Gardening can be health-ful

It’s true. Even some hospitals and rehabilitation centers include garden-tending in speech, occupational, physical and recreational therapy. 

Gardens are a natural setting for maintaining or regaining balance and strengthening grip. And for those recovering from stroke or brain injuries, it can help people relearn language skills. 

Raised beds are best if it's painful for you to get down on or up from the ground. With a raised bed, you can tend your plants from a standing or seated position. You can also use pots for gardening, if your space is limited.

Health benefits of working in the garden include:

• Increased mobility, stamina, strength, balance, hand strength and motor coordination
• Improved memory, attention, concentration, correct sequencing, problem solving, visual scanning, and name and color identification
• Less depression and stress
• Increased self-confidence and motivation
• Meaningful leisure activity participation with social benefits--it's something you can do with your kids, grandkids or neighbors
• Opportunity for learning correct body mechanics and methods to implement gardening activities in a home environment
• Health and wellness activities for adults with disabilities
• and whatever you’re raising--vegetables, herbs or flowers--you have the satisfaction of putting something fresh on your table

In many ways, gardening can add to your health and hope for years to come.

With spring coming, are you inspired to get outside? If you want help getting a garden started or if you want to take your skills to the next level, you can find resources nearby. Click below to find a master gardener resource in your area:

• Alaska master gardeners 
• Oregon master gardeners
• Washington master gardeners