Why Does Gardening Feel So Good?

Source: Jonathan Kemper / Unsplash

As spring starts to show its true colors, people are running outside to start work in their gardens. I am one of those people. But I didn’t used to be. For years, I resisted all the encouragement toward gardening. I simply thought it was a hobby for others but not for me. I didn’t understand when people said that it made them feel good. I just wasn't that into it. Until, all of a sudden, I had to be.

It started when I swapped my hectic city life for the calm and quiet of country living. I moved into an old converted barn that had a garden that hadn’t been managed for years. I realized I wanted to make the garden my own, so I started pruning, trimming, and tidying things up. Over time, I started putting new things in, too. Before I knew it, I was making borders, adding rows of lavender, and planting flowers. Over time, I got intrigued with the idea of growing something to eat—so I planted fruit trees, raspberry bushes, and a small strawberry patch. This led to the introduction of a vegetable patch. And another. And another. And another. It seemed that I was hooked.

Why the sudden change of heart? Well, in short, because gardening did make me feel good. All those people who had told me this were 100 percent right. Whenever it was a sunny day, I yearned to go outside and put my hands in the soil. I yearned to nurture whatever I had already planted or come up with new ideas on what to plant next. I couldn’t get enough of it. And I still can’t. But why?

The science is here to answer that question.

Getting your hands dirty makes you feel good.

According to research, putting your hands in soil puts you in contact with mood-enhancing soil bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. This bacteria triggers the release of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a mood-boosting happy chemical that also works as a natural antidepressant and strengthens the immune system.

Harvesting your own produce gives you a high.

Turns out that harvesting your own produce from your own garden provokes the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone released in the reward center of your brain that is tied to a state of bliss. This harvesting dopamine release can be set off simply with the sight or smell of your fresh produce, as well as by the act of picking it. I can personally confirm that taking a bite of it then and there will only add to the bliss.

Focusing on the task at hand breeds contentment.

Putting your sole focus on the gardening in front of you makes you feel content. Being able to fully fixate on the immediate details of gardening reduces rumination and gives you a space to be fully present. This is a mindfulness practice and automatically eases stress levels. This will naturally improve your attention span elsewhere, too, whilst reducing the risk of anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Nurturing something to grow boosts your self-esteem.

Helping a plant grow is a big feat and should be celebrated. You’re helping Mother Earth with her job whilst also proving to yourself that you’re capable of it. This results in feelings of pride and higher levels of confidence that extend far beyond your gardening efforts.

Physical activity gets your endorphins going.

Planting, pruning, weeding, digging, and raking—if you’ve ever tried them, you know how physical they can be. As such, gardening is a form of physical exercise. Exercise lowers your stress levels and boosts the production of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. We all know exercise is good for our bodies and minds—so why not exercise in the natural way gardening encourages you to?

Spending time in nature feels good.

Last but not least, there is the simplest reason of all: Spending time in nature feels good. Countless studies agree on the notion that we feel better when we are surrounded by nature. So why not create your own little nature haven in your garden, balcony, or even an interior corner of your living space? Anything is possible—and you now know it will be well worth it.