When the weight of the world feels heavy, spending time in nature is a recommended remedy. However, a stronger version of this medicine is gardening. Gardening is an incredibly fulfilling activity. Spending time doing garden work is the optimal way to appreciate nature, get away from classes and do something with friends. Gardening may seem very intimidating and not everyone may have a “green thumb.” However, many plants are resilient, and sometimes even relentless. They want to grow and produce fruits, and many are easy to harvest.

It is easy to grow your own food at home, even if it is just a tomato plant or pots of herbs. The most basic tools you’ll need are seeds, a watering can and gloves. If you’re gardening outside in the ground, you will need a shovel. If you’re growing tomatoes, beans or other top-heavy and vining vegetables, you need stakes or cages. Not only is gardening an effective remedy, but it’s also a relaxing way to connect with nature — especially if you are someone who is tired of city living.

In addition, gardening with friends and family is an opportunity for bonding and having fun together. In fact, gardening with others fosters community, as it requires team work and problem-solving while generating appreciation for home-grown food. Gardening is also a form of environmental stewardship. Gardening promotes biodiversity, as it attracts pollinators. Growing your own food decreases your carbon footprint since there is much less packaging, shipping and handling incorporated into home gardening. Growing your own fruits and vegetables elicits appreciation for other forms of life, thus strengthening the connection with the natural environment. Incorporating gardening into your hobbies will offer never-ending rewards!