BY JEN THORN, MD, MPH OF COMMUNITY GARDENS OF TUCSON
Gardens have taken many forms since human food cultivation began about 12,000 years ago. From World Wars I and II “Victory Gardens” and elaborate ornamental backyard gardens, to patio herb container gardens and community gardens, they all have something in common — gardeners who tend to and nurture them. The result of these gardens are not just beautiful flowering plants or the delicious fruits and vegetables they produce, but also the tangible benefits the gardener experiences.
Women in the U.S. face a rising burden of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. These physical challenges are increasingly compounded by a “silent epidemic” of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Community Gardens of Tucson (CGT) offers a direct, nature-based intervention.
With 21 gardens serving over 400 households throughout Tucson, we’ve witnessed a post-pandemic surge in residents seeking more than just produce. While gardeners often describe a “gut feeling” of wellness, the specific benefits are backed by growing clinical evidence.
As it turns out, gardening can play a role in addressing many of the mental health issues that women currently face. Many studies have shown that gardeners experience a greater sense of community connection, have lower rates of depression, stress, and anxiety, and a higher quality of life in general. In our gardens, we frequently hear that gardeners experience improved mental health just from the opportunity to work in a safe outdoor space. Studies have even shown that gardening provides benefits for older adults with dementia, with improvements in mood, reduced agitation, and fewer falls.
Gardening also introduces physical activity and levels of nutrition that can help improve or even prevent many of the chronic diseases listed above. A recent study of community gardeners illustrated a greater amount of moderate-to-vigorous exercise and greater intake of dietary fiber than those who were not gardening — both factors that are associated with reducing risk of cancer and addressing chronic diseases. The physical acts involved in gardening — digging, walking, pulling, squatting — can all contribute to healthy bone maintenance and prevention of osteoporosis.
Finally, the reason that most people garden — delicious, fresh produce picked from the ground — delivers its own health benefits. What is planted, how it is grown, and when it is harvested is entirely up to the gardener. Opportunity abounds to grow produce that is not easily available in local grocery stores. When was the last time you saw nutritional powerhouses like purslane or lambsquarters in your local supermarket? We all know we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, but as it turns out, studies point to gardeners doing this in greater amounts than non-gardeners.
START SMALL AT HOME
An easy way to start gardening is growing your own small herb garden. Grab a pot or two, fill them with organic soil and seeds for your favorite herbs — like basil, dill, or thyme — set in a sunny spot and keep them damp. You will be rewarded with a delicious addition to your everyday meals in a short period of time. If you want to go bigger, check out opportunities to be a part of a community garden near your home or workplace. However you choose to garden, the most important step is to get started! You might just be having so much fun you don’t notice how good it is for you.
