08/02/2026
There may be a scientific reason why an afternoon in the garden can leave you feeling so much better.
Research has linked gardening and time spent in green spaces with reduced stress, improved mood, greater self esteem, and better overall wellbeing.
In one study, just 30 minutes of gardening helped people recover from a stressful task and lowered levels of cortisol, one of the body’s main stress hormones.
Green spaces may also support attention and concentration. Research involving children with ADHD found that they concentrated better after spending time in a park than after walking through built up surroundings.
Then there is the soil itself.
Garden soil contains an enormous community of microorganisms. Early research suggests that regular contact with soil may influence the human microbiome, although scientists are still working to understand exactly what this means for our health.
One naturally occurring soil bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, has even been linked with serotonin related activity in animal studies.
Not every claim you see online about gardening has been proven beyond doubt, but the wider evidence is becoming increasingly clear.
Gardening can be good for the body, the mind, and our overall quality of life.
Perhaps that is why even a difficult day can feel a little lighter after some time among the plants.
Do you notice a difference in your mood after spending time in the garden?
