I’ve always believed that gardening has many benefits. From an early age spending time at my grandparents’ farm helping Granny in the garden and even now as I’m downsizing my own gardens to allow my love of gardening continue.

As gardeners, we’ve been aware that aside from the benefits of healthy nutrition from eating fresh fruit and vegetables, our physical activities increase. Gardening just makes you feel better, even weeding (at times) is my therapy.

Joining garden clubs, a program like OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program, or becoming involved in a community garden enables you to have a social connection. This allows gardeners to decrease their stress and anxiety levels.

Now we have even more proof of these and more benefits. These verified findings are from a study funded by the American Cancer Society conducted by Jill Litt, professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder.

Litt recruited 291 nongardening adults from Denver area, many from low-income households. Many people live in food deserts where access to fresh fruit and vegetables are limited. This is one reason why community gardens are so important.

Half of these participants were assigned to a community garden group and the other half of control group waited one year to start gardening.

Both groups took periodic surveys about nutritional intake and mental health. By fall, the gardening group was eating an average of 1/4 gram more fiber per day.

According to James Hebert, director of University of South Carolina’s cancer prevention and control program, fiber exerts an effect on inflammatory and immune responses. Between 25 and 38 grams of fiber are recommended per day for adults, with most getting less than 16 grams.

The gardening group also increased their physical activity levels by 42 minutes per week. Health agencies recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week, with only a quarter of the population meeting that.

By gaining health benefits their first year, the hope is as they enjoy this new pastime, they will increase their knowledge and spend more time increasing their health benefits. These are known ways to reduce risk of cancer, chronic diseases and mental health disorders.

I worked at a botanical garden where a group of mentally handicap people would spend time helping with garden chores. I loved working with them, seeing the smiles and pride they had.

I hope similar studies will continue to prove the benefits of gardening on a whole and especially getting support to bring community gardens into cities. These gardens not only benefit health and wellness but give the community a sense of pride in their neighborhood.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers support several community gardens with the addition of children’s plots. Instilling the love of gardening in our young people ensures healthy nutrition, physical activity, and social connections. I’ve seen the children at their gardens so proud of what they’ve grown, and the best thing is they have made lifelong friends. I can honestly say that I’ve also made friends who will always be there.

To learn more about this study, go to http://go.osu.edu/good4you.

Baytos is a Master Gardener Volunteer for The Ohio State University Extension in Mahoning County.