Creating your own garden or growing a container garden can be a relaxing escape from the business of everyday life. Whether you have a backyard vegetable garden, porch or patio containers, or enjoy flower gardens, gardening has many benefits and is a great activity for you, your family, and your health.
Stress Relief
Gardening and being in nature gives your brain a rest from all the emails, texts, and social media notifications. With so many stimuli, we get mental fatigue, which can be a sign of depression. Studies have shown that gardening and planting are some of the least stressful hobbies and can help improve depression. As a bonus, gardening also engages all the senses. So, take a break from news and technology, get outside, absorb some vitamin D and get planting!
Exercise
Although it’s not always the same as weightlifting at the gym (except lifting soil and mulch), gardening gets you moving and can help with stretching. Generally a low-impact form of exercise, gardening gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Nutrition
Growing your own food means it will be fresh. People who grow their own fruits and vegetables also tend to eat healthier. By planting vegetables, fruit trees, herbs or seeds, you can improve your diet and gain the added benefits of working outdoors with your hands.
Bonding Time
If your time at home also includes having your kids home too, gardening can be a great 
learning opportunity. Take this time to bond with your family by teaching them how to plant seeds, vegetables, trees, flowers, or whatever you choose to plant. Tell them about why you chose those plants and what they can do to help you take care of them. Your kids will benefit from playing outdoors and will ultimately reap the same benefits of gardening as you.
Types of Gardening
With these benefits in mind, start thinking about what type of gardening you’d like to do!
If you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, growing an herb garden in your kitchen or on your 
back porch is a great fit. If bright, colorful flowers are more your thing, grow your favorite flowers in patio pots to dress up your front step for the spring and summer seasons. For those that enjoy garden-fresh meals, try your hand at seed starting a variety of veggies for your fruit and vegetable garden.
The great thing about gardening is you can customize your layout and what you grow to your wants and needs. Whatever your style of gardening is, get out and enjoy the fresh air and all the benefits that come with it!
For more information about these gardening topics and more, visit www.earlmay.com. As always, don’t hesitate to call or stop in to talk to your l
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This article is part of series of sponsored posts by Earl May Garden Center
Late Fall Lawn & Landscape Tips
Lawn and Planting Tips for the Fall
Have more questions about fall lawn care and landscaping? Visit the experts at Earl May for more great tips and advice.
