Advantages and disadvantages of gardening

It’s hard to imagine any real downside to gardening, and experienced gardeners believe without a shadow of a doubt that there are almost too many good reasons to start a garden to count. After all, gardening is good for body, mind and soul. Granted, gardening is good for some people, for those who like to do hard physical work, get dirty and risk spending a fortune on plants that die anyway. These people also do not hesitate to put themselves in danger to develop nasty infections. For the rest of us, gardening has serious drawbacks. Let’s find out about this great debate – let’s weigh up the pros and cons of gardening.

The benefits of gardening

Gardening is good for mental health . Gardening is a wonderful way to escape from daily stress. Digging and hitting helps to resolve tension, calm the mind, counter anxiety and can even help to release some anger or frustration. Reconnecting with the natural world gets us out of our head, especially if we tend to be obsessed with negative thoughts. It strengthens our self-esteem and gives us a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. From a scientific perspective, researchers believe that friendly bacteria in the soil can help our bodies produce serotonin, acting as a natural antidepressant and mood regulator.
Healthy bacteria for healthy plants and healthy people . Speaking of soil, it’s true that a bit of soil never hurts anyone, and it can even help. In our modern world, overuse of antibiotics and dependence on garden chemicals have destroyed many of our healthy germs. Many studies suggest that the increase in asthma, allergies and other diseases in developed countries is largely the result of a compromised immune system due to the breakdown in the relationship between our bodies and symbiotic microbes, many of which live in the soil. Gardening is particularly beneficial for children, and playing in the soil offers real protection against disease, now and in the future.
Gardening is good for the whole body . Gardening is great exercise for all ages and fitness levels and helps maintain flexibility and range of motion for people with stiffness or joint pain. It’s true that bending, digging and stooping can be hard on the back, knees, shoulders and wrists, but the old adage, «work smarter, not harder,» is the key to pain-free gardening. Stretch before you start and when you finish your day. Change tasks every 30 minutes. Take regular breaks. Buy quality tools with ergonomic handles. Consider raised beds or potted plants. Most importantly, listen to your body and don’t push it beyond its comfort zone.
Gardening saves money – in the long run . Yes, starting in the garden can cost a small fortune, and it may seem easier and cheaper to buy vegetables at the supermarket, but this should not discourage you. Over time, growing your own garden will not only pay off financially, but also in terms of convenience, quality and freshness. Smart gardeners make the most of their garden space by planting in succession or by planting vegetables that can be preserved, such as carrots or potatoes, or those that can be canned or frozen, such as peas, corn or beans. When it comes to floral gardening, the sense of pride and personal satisfaction is worth the investment. After all, aren’t most hobbies expensive?

Disadvantages of gardening

Gardening could get you in trouble with the law . Believe it or not, there are many municipal governments across the country that prohibit front and back gardens. When neighbours complain, you can be fined and then be forced to uproot or have your garden removed. In an extreme case, you may even go to jail for your yard.
You can get a serious infection . Dirt can be natural, but it can also harbour some problematic bacteria and other pathogens. One of the most frightening drawbacks of gardening is the possibility that digging in the ground can cause you to develop Legionnaire’s disease, tetanus, fungal infections that cause respiratory disease or Weil’s disease. Weil’s disease can be contracted through contact with rats in your yard or garden.
Ticks love to live in your garden, which means that the more time they spend there, the more likely they are to get one that sucks your blood. This increases their risk of developing Lyme disease, a serious disease that can become a chronic and permanent condition.
Gardening hurts . Kneeling, bending, digging and other movements required by a gardening hobby can cause serious damage to your joints, muscles and bones, resulting in pain and even serious injury. You can actually get carpal tunnel syndrome from, for example, the repetitive movements you make when you work with your hands in the garden. Kneeling and squatting can cause knee damage and pain, and bending and leaning over plants can cause chronic back pain.
Gardening is not cheap . Before starting a garden, make sure you can afford it. Plants cost money, sometimes a lot of money. You will also need gardening materials, soil improvers and fertilizers. If you are unlucky enough to be in legal or medical trouble because of your hobby, it will also cost you money.

How to keep the advantages of gardening at its disadvantage?

We have presented you with some of the many good reasons to create a garden, and there are many more. For example, consider the richness associated with connecting with other living things. On a practical level, the value of your home will increase and you’ll be the envy of all your neighbours. More importantly, you are likely to enjoy a longer, happier, more satisfying life. On the other hand, there are many reasons not to garden. It’s risky and bad for your health; it will cause you pain, both physical and emotional, when all the work you do in your garden results in dead plants. In addition, gardening is not a cheap hobby. So why do it?
Most people would probably answer «why not», while the few dozen or so who are selected may simply prefer to pursue other hobbies. And that’s fine. Ultimately, gardening is a personal choice. As with anything else, it’s always best to look at all aspects of a given subject to make the most informed decision based on your particular needs.