Why gardening makes us feel better – and how to make the most of it
Gardens can be great for the environment and for wildlife – and they’re good for people too, according to an increasing body of research
There are few activities that can achieve what horticulture and gardening can. The act of gardening helps us keep fit and connect with others, enjoy and be part of nature and revel in colour, aroma, wildlife and beauty. Aside from cultivating beautiful plants that delight our senses, we can also grow food and even cures for minor ailments in our gardens.
Make gardening part of your everyday life
Gardening and being among nature has been shown to improve mental and physical health
It is increasingly acknowledged that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health. British physician Sir Muir Gray famously said that everyone needs a ‘Natural Health Service’ as well as a National Health Service. The NHS has integrated social prescribing in its 10 Year Health Plan for England as a key part of moving care from hospitals to communities. As the population ages and healthcare costs spiral, social prescribing and preventative healthcare have a renewed importance.
We need to consciously embed gardens and gardening into daily life for everyone. In 2021, the RHS released research that revealed those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all. Surveying more than 6,000 people, the research showed a significant association between gardening more frequently and improvements in wellbeing, perceived stress and physical activity.
Feel the multiple benefits of exercise
Gardening for half an hour burns as many calories as some sports
However, as with any physical activity, such as running or weightlifting, there is potential for injury if done incorrectly. A study led by the RHS and Coventry University used technology commonly found on Hollywood film sets to better understand how everyday gardening practices like digging can be carried out with minimal muscle strain, helping people enjoy gardening for longer.
Preventing mental ill-health
Gardening can reduce anxiety and social isolation experienced in young and old alike
An increasing number of GPs are prescribing gardening not only for rehabilitation but also as a preventative mechanism. In Lambeth, London, 13 GPs have opened community gardens with positive effects.
In 2025, a longitudinal study reported that low exposure to neighbourhood green space was associated with higher psychological distress, while high green-space exposure was consistently associated with lower distress – with notably stronger benefits among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. In 2024, a study focusing on older adults in Norway reported that self-reported access to green space was strongly associated with higher odds of low mental distress and better general health, even after adjusting for age, education, physical activity and socioeconomic factors.
The RHS’ own research and practical programmes support these findings. Garden visitors who were prompted to notice nature in the garden, as opposed to human-made features, reported significantly higher wellbeing. Sustainable gardening is associated with perceived health benefits from gardening. Four in five teachers who signed up to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening reported that gardening has had a significant positive impact on pupil health and wellbeing.
There is an opportunity for gardening to play a central role in improving our nation’s mental health and wellbeing. Currently, the RHS is undertaking research in collaboration with the University of Sheffield to better understand how to maximise the health benefits of gardening. For example, the RHS is exploring the role of flower colour, shape and scent on stress and wellbeing in the garden context.
Eat your greens! Healthy eating and plant-based foods
Beetroot is packed with nutrients and fibre
Rhubarb contains high levels of calcium
In terms of weight management and the UK’s obesity problems, the NHS cites fruit and vegetables as being important for maintaining a healthy weight. Yet, in 2022 only 29% of adults were eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables.
Growing your own really is worthwhile: you’ll have plenty of fruit and veg on tap. Finding ways to use them up does dietary wonders, and you can pick as much as you need, when you need it. It’s also worth noting that an important by-product of ‘grow your own’ is a reduction in plastic packaging and food waste.
Protecting the planet
Gardens and plants also improve our environment, protecting us from noise and particulate pollution, as well as cool us in extremes of temperature and help mitigate against flooding linked to a changing climate.
These life-affirming actions are changing the lives of thousands of people up and down the country – daily evidence that gardens and gardening benefit the mind, body and spirit. There’s never been a better time to pick up that trowel and get growing.
