New buds and glimpses of green are popping up everywhere heralding the arrival of spring. After a long and cold winter, the promise of new life and growth is a more than welcome encouragement. Did you also know that spending time caring for plants (which oftentimes means pulling your fair share of weeds) can also provide encouragement and even reward you in more ways than you might expect?
Beyond your body, caring for and growing plants can relieve stress as well as symptoms of anxiety or depression. In fact, you don’t even have to successfully grow your plants to reap these benefits! Inhaling healthy bacteria found in soil can increase serotonin and help reduce anxiety. So thrust your hands into the ground, because one thing’s for sure, a little dirt sure don’t hurt.
Whether you’re looking for a workout, a bit of mental wellness, or trying to change the world, growing and tending plants might just help you get there.
Ready to get started but aren’t sure how? Check out our guide to Central Oregon Weeds or volunteer with us to care for native plants at our Preserves.
Learn More:
- Lend a hand and volunteer for the land!
- Central Oregon Weed Guide
- Pollinator Plants to Grow
- Request a FREE packet of milkweed seeds
- How to Create a Home for Bees
Sources:
- 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening, UN Health
- Gardening, Pull Weeds Not Your Back
- The Human Needs Driving the Rise in Gardening