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1. “Vitamin G” is “Green Space”—exposure to nature, plants, or even images benefits health.
2. Home and community gardens positively impact environmental health and climate.
3. Learn a few tips for managing a healthy, sustainable home garden
The concepts of home and community gardening are not new, but perception is now shifting toward the impacts of gardening as a therapeutic practice that benefits not only the gardener but also the local and global environment. Gardens are documented to help us HEAL- physically and emotionally. Studies consistently show that engaging with a garden – through sight, smell, or hands-on care—can activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reduce stress, and support emotional resilience. Our micro and macro climates are also positively affected by gardening in profound ways. In this article, we explore some of the top benefits of home gardening on human and climate health. (6) (7) (8)
Home gardening is defined as having “a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the cultivation, display and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature”, and home gardens are usually less than 1 hectare (ha) and are located in the immediate surroundings of a residential dwelling. Some gardens feature ornamental plants, while others cultivate fruit, vegetables, herbs, and other flowers and species that contribute to the food supply. Both types of gardens offer therapeutic benefits to both the gardener and to Mother Earth. (1)
As of 2022, approximately 54% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and this is expected to increase to 59% by 2030. Others may argue that more people are either currently leaving or considering a move from urban settings to rural or semi-rural areas in favor of living sustainably and/or having more access to nature and growing areas. Still, urban and rural populations are embracing personal gardening practices, and research continues to document the benefits of cultivating green space on mental, physical, and environmental health. (1)(3)(5)(6)(8)(10)
Owner and Founder of
Meller Performance Events Group
Just as with “Vitamin N = Nature”, “Vitamin G” is not “real” nomenclature, but these terms have been widely adopted to relate how exposure to green space and nature have demonstrated profound health benefits. Plants not only exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen-rich air, but they also remove toxins, dust, and microorganisms. In addition, they provide phytochemicals that stimulate our visual and olfactory systems to improve health. Some of the most well-documented benefits of green space include but may not be limited to: (1)(3)(5)(6)(7)
Japanese studies have demonstrated, through EEG recordings, reduced stress, fear, anger, sadness, blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension in trial participants when exposed to plants – even in the absence of actual plants. It was further demonstrated that just pictures of a green hedge had greater health effects than those of concrete fences. (3)
Nature images have also been shown helpful for reducing hospital stays, improving post-operative outcomes, and for fewer surgical complications in hospitals, oncology centers and in dental offices. Time spent in green space—what some refer to as “Vitamin G”—has been linked to measurable improvements in sleep, mood, immune function, and cognitive performance. The most comprehensive review to date analyzed data from seven countries and over 8 million people over several years to find that green urban spaces can help people live longer. (3)(6)(7)
Taking it a step further, active gardening confers therapeutic effects. For thousands of years, therapeutic gardening has been linked to healthier outcomes, and green space has been linked to increased longevity and vitality. In fact, Studies have shown that home gardening at least 1 – 4 hours per week improves human resilience, mood, confidence, cognition, and even spirituality! Some have even suggested that it can improve sleep disorders and reduce allergies, asthma, and other chronic inflammatory diseases (1).
Anecdotal and research data support conclusions that there is a synergistic benefit between the effects of gardening and green space – physical activity, mindfulness & meditative state, and exposure to sunlight. Time outdoors in natural sunlight stimulates Vitamin D synthesis and is associated with better metabolism, decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, improved cognition, lower rates of depression, and reduced risk of cancer, osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis, COVID-19 symptoms, arthritis, and other chronic pain. Consistent physical activity moves our lymph, maintains muscle, and offers a variety of intensities of exercise. Additionally, hands in the earth offers the benefits of energetic grounding that helps us to offload the environmental and emotional charge, which is beneficial to long-term health. It’s especially interesting to review data showing that home gardening is associated with an increase in neurotrophic and growth factors that support memory and brain function! (1)(3)(5)
“It is possible that home gardens might reduce the risk of dementia by 36% in people over 60, possibly as a result of positive mood, sensory stimulation, and a feeling of being productive and at ‘home’”. (1)
Consuming one’s freshly harvested organic produce offers rich nutrient density, bioactive enzymes, and reduced toxins that help our bodies enhance nutrient absorption, support digestive health, and help us detox. Moreover, consuming one’s own homegrown or community-grown food may enhance social connections that can deepen relationships, improve mental health, and reduce anxiety and isolation.
A case for Green Space: Frances Kuo of the University of Illinois conducted a study of 28 identical high-rise public housing projects. She found that people living near green spaces:
(1) boasted a stronger sense of community
(2) coped better with everyday stress and hardship
(3) were less aggressive and less violent
(4) performed better on tests of concentration
(5) managed problems more effectively
While we garden, we also support the climate and Mother Earth. Plants, trees, forests in the wild, and our homes and gardens detoxify the air and sequester excess carbon (1)(3)(4)(9).
“A single maple tree can remove 48 lb (22 kg) of particulates and 100 lb (45 kg) of carbon each year, as well as toxic metals, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide” (3)
Gardens also help the environment in the following ways, provided that they are organically and sustainably managed:
Home and community gardens can contribute to food security by supplementing local food systems with fresh, nutrient-dense produce, especially in underserved or high-density urban areas. (1) (4)(8)(9)(10)
Numerous peer-reviewed studies affirm that home gardening can support immune health, mood regulation, and increased physical activity—all of which contribute to overall well-being. Personal practices do have an impact on the environment locally and on a larger scale. (2)(3)(4)(6)(7)
Poorly planned and managed home gardens can actually be more of a detriment than a benefit. Water mismanagement, pesticide use and run-off, soil erosion, green waste, and local habitat destruction are all real issues. (4).
Keep these suggested tips in mind for managing your home garden:
Gardening encourages movement, enhances community interaction, and has been linked to lower healthcare costs—factors that can support both personal well-being and local economic resilience.(1) (8)(9)(10)
If you’ve ever grown a tomato and picked it fresh from the vine, you know the incredible feeling it brings—and the unforgettable TASTE. There’s nothing like enjoying a tomato you grew yourself, ripened right on the vine.
I find peace and solitude in tending to my garden and absolutely LOVE the experience of fostering the garden’s growth and harvesting her goods. It’s especially rewarding to garden with my grandchildren (including now their own raised bed) (shown below) and to teach them the value of food, the patience and care required to earn the gift of its harvest, and to share the joy of delicious nutrition with my family and friends. I’ve built my suburban So-Cal backyard and side yard into a peaceful garden oasis that is rich in seasonal fruits, veggies, legumes, herbs, and edible and ornamental plants.
Lisa Meller, CMP, CITP, CED is the Owner and Managing Director of Meller Performance Events Group, a professional event planning and management agency that now specializes in the health and wellness industry. She is also a student of the Energetic Health Institute and is focused on becoming a board-certified holistic nutrition counselor and coach. She is also the Fall Conference Event Manager for Healing for the AGES. Lisa has a passion for helping people reach their personal bests. As an assistant coach and multi-time national and world champion in Masters Diving, she understands and lives the healthy and active performance lifestyle. Since her university (UCLA) studies in molecular biology decades ago, she has been focused on health, wellness, and disease prevention. She is excited about sharing the message of natural health and healing.
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