Gardening: A Simple Solution for Better Health
- Wingate
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Gardening might seem like a gentle pastime, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to health and wellbeing. Whether it’s digging, weeding, or just being outside in the fresh air, gardening offers real physical, mental, and social benefits—and it’s something almost anyone can do. Studies show gardening activities like digging, raking, or mowing the lawn can burn as many calories as a moderate-intensity workout. Regular gardening can help prevent chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It improves strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, making it a great form of low-impact exercise for people of all ages and abilities. And the best bit? It doesn’t feel like a workout.
Mentally, the benefits are just as impressive. Being surrounded by nature has a calming effect—gardening is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Research has shown that simply being around plants can lower blood pressure, reduce your heart rate, and relax your muscles. For individuals living with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline, gardening can be especially valuable, helping to delay symptoms and support ongoing brain function. It’s a gentle, hands-on activity that stimulates the mind, lifts the mood, and gives people a sense of purpose.
For the UK’s 10 million people living with disabilities, accessible activities like gardening are vital. The beauty of gardening is that it can be adapted for everyone—raised beds, sensory planting areas, and the right tools can make it inclusive and enjoyable for all. People with learning disabilities or mental health challenges often benefit enormously, feeling more confident, independent, and connected to the world around them. And beyond the individual health gains, there’s the social side too.
Whether you’re planting alongside someone or simply enjoying a shared green space, gardening builds community. It reduces isolation, encourages friendships, and improves self-esteem. A recent survey found that 87% of people with disabilities who have access to a garden say it has a positive effect on their health and wellbeing.
Gardening isn’t just about tackling existing issues—it’s also an effective way to prevent them. Regular physical activity through gardening helps reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. Research shows that even a 10% increase in physical activity—easily achieved through light gardening—could save the NHS a staggering £500 million each year. When you consider how enjoyable and accessible gardening is, it’s clear why it’s such a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.
That’s why we’re so excited to launch the Gardening Club at The Wingate Centre. This new initiative offers individuals with SEND the chance to experience all the benefits of gardening in a welcoming, supportive environment. From building fitness and reducing stress to learning new skills and making new friends, the club is a brilliant opportunity to connect with nature—and each other. We’re proud to offer a space where wellbeing can grow, quite literally, from the ground up.
