6 ways gardening may be good for you even in your post-pandemic era

The strict quarantines may have been lifted by now but one of the trends they gave rise to sure looks like it’s here to stay.

With quite a number of plantitos and plantitas flexing their verdant and thriving plantbabies to their houseguests and social media buddies, we can definitely say that gardening has taken root among many of the metro’s denizens.

While gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that has become increasingly popular during the pandemic, it still presents a variety of benefits that make it a hobby worth pursuing even as we continue on to our “next normal” lives.

Read on to see six reasons why gardening is good for you, even in your post-pandemic era.

1. It provides you with an opportunity for outdoor activity

Gardening is an outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while still practicing social distancing. After months of lockdowns and isolation, getting outside, loading up on Vitamin D from the sun and being in nature can provide a much-needed mood boost.

2. It is a way to de-stress from your increasingly busy life

Gardening has been shown to be an effective stress reliever. It allows you to focus on a simple task and can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety and even provide an outlet for your creativity. Additionally, seeing the fruits of your labor can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. Especially now that our days are filling up with so many tasks and responsibilities at work and at home, the simple joys of gardening can certainly lessen the load of our daily worries.

3. It can be your form of physical activity.

Gardening is also a form of exercise that can help improve your physical health. Tasks such as digging, planting, and weeding can provide a low-impact workout that can help increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance while burning off those pesky calories.

4. It can provide you with a steady source of healthy food.

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Gardening can also provide you with fresh, healthy food that you can enjoy at home. Growing your own fruits and vegetables allows you to control what goes into your food and can provide a more sustainable and affordable source of nutrition.

5. It can help in building a sense of community with your neighbors

Gardening can also help build a sense of community. Whether you join a community garden or simply share your produce with neighbors, gardening can help connect you with others and foster a sense of belonging.

6. It can be your contribution towards sustainability.

Gardening can help promote sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity. Growing your own food can reduce the amount of transportation and packaging needed to get food to your table, and planting native plants can provide a habitat for local wildlife.

Clearly, gardening provides a multitude of benefits beyond just a pandemic pastime. Continuing to garden as a hobby offers a sense of physical and mental health benefits, sustainability and self-sufficiency, connection with nature, a creative outlet, and social connection. So whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of reasons to continue gardening as a hobby beyond the pandemic.

Pictures featured in this blog post were taken during visits to EFS Garden and Pond Center.

It is a plant nursery owned and operated by Engr. Ed Santiago and Architect Errol Santiago. The nursery offers a wide range of plants and garden accessories to both novice and expert plant enthusiasts, manned by knowledgeable staff to assist you with your gardening needs and queries.

EFS Garden and Pond Center is located at Green Meadows 3 Lower Park, Green Meadows Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, open daily from 7am to 6pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89824975 or email efsgardenandpondcentre@gmail.com.

To know more about its updates and offers, follow EFS Garden and Pond Center on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about gardening and green spaces: