Starting a home garden is an incredibly rewarding process. Not only will you have access to the freshest fruits and veggies you’ve ever tasted, but gardening can reduce stress and provide several other benefits. If you’re interested in adding a garden to boost your healthy lifestyle, but need more motivation, here are seven reasons why it’s time to get your hands in the dirt.

1.Easy Access to Healthy Food
Growing vegetables at home gives you constant access to fresh, healthy produce. And with Florida’s exceptionally hot climate, you can keep growing many of your favorite veggies all year. Although the vegetables in grocery stores are healthy, they simply can’t compete with home-grown alternatives. Home-grown vegetables are fresher and more nutrient-dense than those from the store. Additionally, you can rest easy knowing your harvest hasn’t been sprayed with any of the harsh chemicals major supply chains often use.

2.Connection to Nature
Gardening is a perfect place to start for those looking to feel more connected to nature. You can get your hands in the soil and clear your mind as you pull bright, beautiful vegetables straight out of the ground. Consider adding your favorite flowers and planting a few trees around your garden to transform it into a cozy hangout area. Watering your crops and watching them progress will naturally make you feel more connected and grounded.

3.Built-in Workout
Gardening is tough work. So, if you’re looking for new and creative ways to break a sweat, it’s time to get planting. Depending on the exact gardening task you’re working on, you could burn hundreds of calories in just one hour. In addition to burning calories, studies show that regular gardening can improve hand strength and even boost self-esteem.

4.Stress Relief
Any time you can explore nature, you’re bound to feel a little better. Gardening provides much-needed personal time for you to clear your mind and decompress. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day, planting allows your mind to focus on the immediate task in front of you—this leaves less room for negative thoughts to creep in. Seeing one of your seedlings transform into a whole, healthy plant will also provide a sense of self-confidence that will make you feel good about yourself.

5.Save Money on Groceries
If you’re brand-new to gardening, you’ll probably encounter a few start-up costs, which can get pricey. Some gardening tools you might need to purchase:

    • Rake/hoe
    • Wheelbarrow
    • Pruners
    • Garden fork
    • Watering set up (hose, watering cans, etc.)
    • Shovels
    • Gloves and other accessories
    • Wood for frames/raised garden beds

However, after you purchase the required tools and lumber, your home garden can save you a significant chunk of money on your grocery bill. To keep your garden efficient and maximize your yield, consider the following tips:

    • Plant vegetables and herbs you like so they won’t go to waste.
    • Start small and simple.
    • Have a plan and stick to it.
    • Think about what vegetables cost the most at stores and plant those.

6.Sense of Accomplishment
Nurturing produce from a baby plant or seed into something you can use to fuel your body is the greatest feeling of accomplishment. Every day you can check on your home garden and discover new growth and progress. Gardening tasks such as watering are straightforward and easy to keep up with, meaning you can put in the minimal effort for maximum results.

7.Beneficial for Children
Children reap many of the same gardening benefits as adults—healthy eating, feeling accomplished, and so on. However, there are several additional benefits kids can enjoy when they learn to work in the garden. Studies show that getting children involved with gardening can boost test scores, improve their memory, increase their interest in the environment, and more.

Tips for New Gardeners
Starting a garden for the first time can be intimidating, but don’t fret—you don’t need to be a horticultural expert to get started. With a solid plan, a little research, and a few helpful gardening tips, you’ll be growing in no time.

Find the right location: Pick a spot for your garden that is easily accessible and gets a good amount of sun.

Research your plants and vegetables: Certain plants require specific conditions to grow and thrive. Before investing in plants or seeds, make sure you’ll be able to grow them where you live.

Make a plan: Starting your first garden is exciting, and it’s easy to go overboard. Plan to only buy plants of which you’ll have room to grow.

Stay close to your water source: If possible, build your home garden near your hose so you won’t have to travel far to water your crops.

The benefits of starting a home garden are undeniable. At LifeStyle Homes, we think your home should be your sanctuary, and planting a garden is a smart way to turn your yard into a personal oasis. If you’re looking to find a home to accommodate your unique lifestyle, visit LifeStyle Homes online to learn how we can help.