A first-ever randomised, controlled trial of community gardening has found that beyond eating more fibre and getting more physical activity—two known ways to reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases—those who pottered around in gardens also had significantly reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and risk for mental illness.
The new study of low-income households has found that gardeners who came into the study most stressed and anxious saw the greatest reduction in mental health issues.
“These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases, and mental health disorders,” senior author and environment professor at the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder Jill Litt said….