This week (29 April – 6 May) is National Gardening Week, where we’re all encouraged to get outside, utilise the green spaces closest to us and give our gardens some TLC.
The week is run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and this year, the theme is Edible Britain, encouraging gardeners to share their love of home-grown produce.
FOOD
If you are interested in growing your own food in your garden, there are plenty of ways to do so.
It’s important to keep an eye on the weather, and prepare for any late frosts or snow. You must also keep weeds at bay, to stop them from ruining your crops.
The RHS has guides for different fruits, vegetables and herbs that you should follow if you want to start a tiny allotment in your very own back garden.
Not only does this promote a healthier diet and lifestyle, but it also gets you outside, into the fresh air and sun, soaking up that vitamin D and summer vibes.
IMPACT
Of course, you don’t have to grow your own fruit and veg to celebrate this week. All you need to do is head outside and enjoy what your tiny patch of land has to offer.
It’s well-known that the garden has many physical and emotional health benefits.
The actions used in gardening strengthens bones, muscles and joints, the more they are done. Spending time in the garden can also have benefits for people with breathing problems, due to the fact that plants clean the air we breathe in.
There is also research to suggest it can improve brain health, heart health, immune regulation and hand dexterity.
The mental benefits are far-reaching, too. Gardening can reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem and positive emotional health.
You can search the RHS’ events calendar here, to find out more about the events running near you.
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