Gardening offers more than meets the eye. For women most especially, planting beautiful plants and flowers not only gives them the chance to enjoy and relax amidst their stunning creations but also offers them the benefit of getting fit doing the thing they most love.
In a study conducted at the University of Arkansas, women in the 50-plus age group who gardened at least once a week were found to have higher bone density measurements than those who were into any other forms of exercise. Having higher bone density measurements have been equated to a lower risk of fractures in later life.
There is no surprise there. The work involved in gardening such as digging holes or pulling weeds and even pushing a lawn mower can be credited as a good form of exercise that aids in boosting bone health. So if you’re looking for a fun and fulfilling way to exercise, you should definitely consider gardening to get fit.
The ABCs of gardening
Clueless on how to start gardening? Don’t fret. Growing your own plants is surprisingly easy, even for those with no green thumb. All you need is a little bit of patience and the will to make your plants grow and bloom. Follow these easy steps to starting your own garden at home and reap the benefits it provides in giving your bone health a boost.
Step 1: Determine the kind of garden you want
Settle on the kind of garden that you want to grow. Do you want an herb or a vegetable garden? Perhaps a flower garden? Or both? You can do whatever kind of garden you fancy, but do start small, especially since this is your first foray into the world of gardening.
Step 2: Choose a site
Find a good location for your garden. You need to assess your chosen area to see if it’s a good spot for growing plants. An ideal location would have good sun exposure and great access to water. You should also make sure it has fertile soil that’s perfect for growing plants.
Step 3: Select the plants you want to grow
This is one can be tricky as there are literally hundreds of plants and flowers to choose from. Narrow down your choices by selecting plants that are compatible with the type of soil you have and your area’s sun exposure. You should also consider planting those that have minimal requirements, especially if you don’t have much time in maintaining them.
Step 4: Think of a good garden design
There is no right or wrong when it comes to designing your garden. While you can consult landscaping books or any other garden design materials, what matters is your own creative vision. You can choose your own theme depending on the color or style of the plants. Just make sure that everything blends well together and has some sort of cohesion to make your garden stand out.
Step 5: Gather your tools
Having key pieces here is key. You don’t have to splurge on tools you don’t need. When choosing the basics, make sure they are comfortable to use, reliable, and durable.
Step 6: Maintain your garden
This is where your body will get its benefits. Do a lot of digging, weeding, and staking. There are so many things you can do in the garden to ensure that it’s growing the way you want it to be. Plus, your body gets the exercise it needs as you do your maintenance routine.
