Home-grown food is healthy, but the act of actually growing the food, or even growing flowers, is healthy, too. Research shows that getting in the dirt and gardening are great ways to stay in shape physically and mentally.
The American Heart Association classifies gardening as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. If you’ve been sore after a day of gardening, you know that digging, planting, and pulling weeds all use muscles and can be a real workout.
Regular contact with dirt is an immunity booster, according to studies by immunology researchers. Gardening can also be a brain-booster, as the growing season often requires adaptability, problem-solving, and learning new things to make that garden grow.
It’s hard to garden while checking email, so it’s a great way to decompress and unplug from technology for a while.
The MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gardeners can call for help with gardening, insects, and other outdoors questions.
MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline : (888) 678-3464 or online at msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/lawn_garden
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
