Let’s get right to it. For many of us, the ongoing pandemic has been full of stress, uncertainty, and other overwhelming emotions. While we attempt to keep our bodies physically out of harm’s way during these unprecedented times, it’s equally important that we don’t neglect our mental health, too.

A recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that the pandemic has been a significant source of stress for 78% of adults. What’s even more challenging is that the pandemic has also created barriers that make it harder for people to get the proper mental health support they need.

As we continue to adapt and adjust to a ‘new normal,’ it’s more critical than ever before to make time for activities that improve and enhance our mental well-being. Today we’re focusing on one activity that’s been proven to positively impact mental health: gardening!

The Gardening Trend is Blooming

Hobbies have become essential parts of our lives since the pandemic hit. Not only have they kept us busy and entertained during quarantine, but they have also kept our minds occupied during uncertain times. From Tik Tok dancing to baking, a wide range of activities have taken the world by storm, and gardening is no exception.

Tower Garden recently surveyed 2,000 Americans to learn more about their behaviors since the pandemic started, and an eye-opening 65% of respondents said that they have attempted gardening since the beginning of 2020. Some started gardening to eat better, some started to save money, but many survey participants got involved in gardening to benefit their mental health.

The Guardian thinks that this trend is here to stay, reporting that some seed distributors, garden supply manufacturers, and other related businesses are experiencing all-time high profits. Many believe that once people experience the benefits of gardening for themselves, they won’t want to stop!  

A Calming Hobby

As gardening grows in popularity in households around the world, more people are beginning to uncover the therapeutic aspects that come with planting and growing their own food. In fact, a recent study found that 88% of people that took up gardening during the pandemic said it had a positive impact on their mental health. To add to that, 71% of Tower Garden followers on Instagram said that gardening during the pandemic made them feel relaxed.  

Looking back through history, gardens have been used for centuries to help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. This method of therapy even dates back to ancient Egypt, with an article from Washington State University reporting that “anxious royalty were prescribed comforting strolls among the palace greenery.” Even back in those days, the peace a garden brings was not overlooked.

When comparing gardening to other hobbies, the Washington Post reported that it has the same impact as biking, walking, and eating out at a restaurant on our net well-being. With the help of Tower Garden, growers can enjoy the experiences and benefits of gardening year-round, indoors or out.

Straight From Our Tower Gardeners

When researching how growing during the pandemic has impacted people’s mental health, we knew we had to ask our Tower Garden community. An astounding 99% of all gardeners that took part in our Instagram poll said that gardening had a positive impact on their mental well-being.

We then asked our gardeners to use one word to describe how growing with Tower Garden made them feel. Their responses were both powerful and moving. Some of the most popular responses include:

●      Hopeful

●      Empowered

●      Proud

●      Happy

●      Accomplished

Clearly our growers experience positive emotions when planting, growing, and harvesting their favorite crops. This not only backs up the evidence we learned while researching this topic, but it also illustrates that no matter how you garden, there’s a great chance that it will not only improve your diet, but will also help lift your spirits and your mental health.

Getting Started

There's a common misconception that gardening is a hobby that requires a lot of space, time, and prior knowledge. The Guardian even concluded that many millennials are reluctant to start growing because they don’t have enough space. But what if we told you that you only need 2-3 square feet of space and access to power in order to grow your own fresh, delicious vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers?

Thanks to aeroponic technology, gardening--and the mental health impact that comes with it--is now more accessible than ever before with Tower Garden. To make things even easier for new growers, we’ve compiled a list of resource guides to help you get started.

Click here to learn more about our Tower Garden and get started on your gardening journey.