Alaimo and colleagues studied new community gardeners to understand how gardening affects well-being. They discovered a “gardening triad” of caretaking, accomplishment, and nature connection that improves social and emotional health. This insight could help design better nature-based health interventions.
Researchers interviewed 34 new community gardeners from the Denver Urban Gardens initiative about their experiences, motivations, and perceived health impacts. They analyzed the responses to identify common themes and outcomes, focusing on how gardening engagement affected social and emotional well-being.
The study found that caring for plants, feeling accomplished, and connecting with nature worked together to create positive emotions and experiences for gardeners. These benefits occurred regardless of whether people gardened alone or with others, highlighting gardening’s unique potential for improving well-being.
Previous studies have shown nature’s benefits for mental health, but this research emphasizes gardening’s special role. Unlike passive nature experiences, gardening involves active care and nurturing, which amplifies positive emotions and provides a sense of purpose and achievement.
Alaimo, K., Coringrato, E., Lacy, K., Hébert, J. R., & Beavers, A. W. (2024). Caretaking, accomplishment and connection to nature: The ‘gardening triad’ and its role in new community gardeners’ engagement, and social and emotional well-being. People and Nature, https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10696 (OA)
