5 Benefits Of Gardening For Teenagers

Gardening can be an excellent way to get your kids to ditch their phones and get their hands dirty. My mom made both me and my sibling garden as teens because she thought it was good for our health to have fresh air and do a physical activity.

Growing up in a low-income family was also cheaper than getting a therapist and was her way to get us to vent our frustration. If you live in an apartment like me, then you can sign up at your communal garden and help out there. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the advantages that a garden can have on your kids.

1. Good for psychological well-being

According to a 2019 study, plants are said to be a therapeutic tool and can help one if they have a mental illness. This is where the idea of horticulture therapy stems from, and there are special programs for kids and teens. Gardens have been shown to reduce stress and depression levels while promoting productivity visibly.

By taking up the garden, your kids spend less time on their phones and social media, which can improve their attention span. Green spaces like a garden filled with fresh air, shrubs, tree, and plants are said to enhance kids’ attention span, even for those who have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

Research has also shown kids who spend a couple of minutes outside surrounded by nature have been shown to have a boost in their ability to concentrate and focus. So, telling your kids to mow the lawn might actually be more beneficial for them than you think.

2. Encourages healthier eating habits

While your kids are gardening, they can enjoy the fruit of their labor, and this shows them how to be self-reliant and independent. Teenagers who grow their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to have a healthier diet and eating habits compared to those who don’t.

Tasting the fruits of their handwork might invest them in the garden and will make them try a new and different thing. Who knows, they might even make a career out of it. It is a win-win situation if you ask me. It is also recommended that you teach your kids the nutritional values of the fruits and vegetables they are growing.

This is why a lot of people believe that a backyard garden can make people more conscious of what they consume and how they consume. Eating organic food is also very good for one’s health, and it is highly recommended.

3. Promotes exercise

Gardening on whatever scale it is promotes doses of sunshine, exercise, and fresh air, all of which are perfect for someone who is at the peak of their growth and development. These are beneficial for everyone, and it is especially good for teenagers who generally avoid going outside or even physical exercise.

Who knows, maybe your couch potato will turn into a French Fry when they discover the joy of gardening. Gardening requires a lot of movement, and this ultimately results in unknowing exercise. Some teens are so engrossed in their gardening that they even forget that they are actually working, which is a win-win situation in my book.

4. Foster responsibilities

A lot of time and energy goes into taking care of a garden, and it can inculcate a sense of responsibility in your teenagers. It can also boost their self-confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment to see their crop sprout from the grown.

Having a garden where you grow different things will also show your kids that different plants need different things. This will show them to love things even if they are different, and they can put this mantra into practice in other aspects of their life.

5. It allows them to root themselves

Gardening can be an anchor for your kids, and it can become something they do when they are stressed or need to get their minds off of something. If you put all your kids to work, gardening can also be a way for you to connect with your kids.

This can create stronger bonds between family members, especially if gardening is something that you do as a family. Gardening then is therapeutic and the glue that bonds the members of your family together.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us your thoughts on gardening and if it is helpful for teens.