It’s fine to garden in a more intentional way, and I do sometimes, but it’s also nice to get to rediscover the hard lessons that have been passed down generations (my own chain of farming knowledge only breaking with my parents’ generation) and learn the “vibe” of what makes plants thrive more or less.
Native plants are also going to be the most chill—- evolutionary fitness does most of the work you would otherwise have to, and you’ll be helping to restore native habitat and ecosystems a tiny bit.
Bonus points for home composting. Closing the loop on personal food waste while restoring soil health is by far the most rewarding bit of gardening for me. It also makes me a little neurotic about the waste and disconnection from nature that default mode urban and suburban living results in.
Being in an arid place, I keep a three gallon plastic bin in the kitchen sink to capture all dishwater. Several times a day, I carry it outside to water some lucky plants. It would be even better to get the shower and washing machine drainage to be plumbed such that more "gray water" makes it outside to the trees. Most soaps and detergents are pretty safe to vegetation nowadays.
Why not do it because it seems fun and interesting?
Doesn’t doing anything boost brain health? Like exercising, playing an instrument, volunteering, etc
Yup, anything does boost brain health, except possibly excess screen time, and in that note, I'll sign off now ;-)
Getting outside is great
DaveZale•5mo ago
I am the youngster volunteer at a local demonstration garden. The elder volunteers in their 70s are all very sharp. They usually don't stop until arthritis or back problems force them to stop. But their minds are agile, and they are all very social, cooperative, and upbeat.
The key seems to be enjoying it all, and not being too aggressive. Moderation. Going with the perennials, especially natives to the area, can produce unexpected large displays of very vibrant flowers that attract a lot of pollinator and bird life. A high tolerance for failure helps greatly. You'll know when something is working in your niche microenvironment.
yjftsjthsd-h•5mo ago
Okay, ask the obvious question. Isn't that a perfect candidate for causality to go the other way? Anybody with basically any mobility or serious health problems is less likely to go out gardening, so of course you only see healthy people out gardening. (To be fair, I would expect that it is good for you and helps people stay healthy, but I would expect the selection effects to be a stronger explanation for what you're observing.)
DaveZale•5mo ago
Locally, outside activity in yards and gardens is down drastically, and it shows. Weeds and neglected yards tell that story.
But sure, we have a 79 year old who has been at the garden for 20 years and, despite aches and pains, is the most active! He is also my mentor and I appreciate his devotion. Would he be as physically active if not for the volunteering? Doubtful. So I believe that I concur with you on this.