Why grow anything? Wellbeing, food and skills

You do not need a garden, a farm or a big budget to grow something. A pot of herbs on a windowsill can lift your mood, put fresh food on your plate and teach you patience, planning and care.

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What the research says about gardening and wellbeing

• A Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) survey of more than 6,000 people in 2021 found that people who gardened every day had wellbeing scores 6.6 per cent higher and stress levels 4.2 per cent lower than people who did not garden.
• A University of Exeter and RHS study of nearly 8,000 people in England found that people who spend time in their garden were more likely to report good general health, higher psychological wellbeing and more physical activity.
• That study found the benefits applied whether people were gardening or simply relaxing outdoors. As the lead author put it, using the space is what really leads to the benefits.
• The gardening charity Thrive reports research from Sweden suggesting that access to a garden reduced stress even when the only outdoor space was a simple balcony.
• Be realistic: most of these studies show links, not proof that gardening causes better health. Gardening is a helpful habit, not a treatment for mental illness.

Gentle movement that does not feel like exercise

• The RHS says 30 minutes of gardening burns calories comparable to playing badminton, volleyball or practising yoga.
• Carrying watering cans, mixing compost, bending, stretching and repotting all count as light to moderate activity.
• Thrive highlights an umbrella review that found physical activity reduced the risk of depression by 23 per cent and anxiety by 26 per cent, with strong links for low and moderate activity such as gardening.
• In the UAE, most outdoor gardening fits naturally into cooler mornings and evenings, which also makes it a good reason to step away from screens.

Fresh food and real-life skills

• As general advice, herbs such as mint, coriander and parsley are a good place to start, and a few healthy pots can save you buying small packs.
• Growing food teaches planning (what to sow and when), problem-solving (why is this plant wilting?) and patience.
• It also connects you with where food comes from, which links to the Kitchen Skills and Sustainability modules.
• Thrive suggests gardening supports the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Sharing a harvest with neighbours or family covers several of these at once.

Growing is part of UAE life too

• The UAE has promoted home and community growing for food security. Khaleej Times (via WAM) reported in 2023 on initiatives encouraging families and schools to grow fruit and vegetables at home, on rooftops and at school.
• Dubai Municipality's 'Grow Your Food' campaign encouraged residents to grow vegetables and fruit on balconies, terraces and in back gardens. Gulf News reported in 2018 that the number of participating schools rose from 15 to 50.
• The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has published a community gardening guide covering homes, schools and rooftops (reported by Khaleej Times via WAM).
• Check what your school, community or building already offers before you start: there may be a garden club or a shared planter you can join.

Simple safety habits from day one

• Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) warns that bagged potting mix and compost can carry Legionella bacteria, which cause a serious type of pneumonia if breathed in.
• Its advice: work in a well-ventilated outdoor area, open bags carefully with scissors away from your face, dampen the mix to reduce dust, wear gloves and a well-fitting mask, and wash your hands well afterwards. It also says anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after handling potting mix should contact a doctor and mention it.
• Tetanus spores are found in soil worldwide and can enter through a wound, and TravelHealthPro lists puncture wounds from gardening among tetanus-prone injuries. Clean any cut thoroughly, seek medical advice for deep or dirty wounds, and ask your family or a doctor whether your vaccinations are up to date.
• Wear gloves for thorny plants and rough pots, and keep tools such as secateurs closed and stored after use.