Some evidence suggests gardening may help wellbeing and mood. Evidence for stress and worry is limited, and no clear effect on physical health has been shown.
What it is
Looking after plants, in your own garden, on a balcony, an allotment or a community garden. This page is about your own gardening, not horticultural therapy (a guided programme).
What the research says
- Wellbeing and mood: Reviews pooling many studies found that gardening goes with higher wellbeing and, in some trials, fewer symptoms of low mood. Many studies were small or had no comparison group, and some looked at guided gardening programmes, so the size of the benefit is uncertain. Some evidence it may help · Panțiru et al., 2024 · Soga et al., 2017 · Briggs et al., 2023
- Stress and worry: In one randomised trial, 291 adults who had not gardened before were given a community garden plot or put on a waiting list. Over one growing season, stress and worry fell more in the gardening group. It is a single trial in one US city, mostly with women. Limited evidence · Litt et al., 2023
- Physical health: In the same trial, gardeners were slightly more active, by about 6 minutes a day, but the estimate was uncertain. A review of 23 studies in people with long-term conditions found no clear effect on physical health. Limited evidence · Litt et al., 2023 · Wang and Boros, 2025
Is it safe?
Tetanus can get into a cut if soil or manure gets into it. Make sure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date and clean any cuts. NHS, 2026
In hot weather, drink more, wear light, loose clothing and avoid the midday sun (11am to 3pm). NHS, 2026
Your own practice complements medical care and never replaces it. Please don't stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
Sessions that fit alongside
Sissoo practitioners offer sessions some people combine with gardening: Meditation · Spiritual Guidance
Checked 12 November 2026. Next check by May 2027. How we rate the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is gardening good for your mental health?
There is some evidence that gardening may help wellbeing and mood. Many studies were small or had no comparison group, and some looked at guided gardening programmes, so the size of the benefit is uncertain.
Does gardening reduce stress?
The evidence is limited. In one trial of 291 adults new to gardening, stress and worry fell more in the gardening group than in the waiting-list group, but it was a single trial in one US city, mostly with women.
Is gardening good for your physical health?
The evidence is limited. In one trial, gardeners were slightly more active, by about 6 minutes a day, but the estimate was uncertain, and a review of 23 studies in people with long-term conditions found no clear effect on physical health.
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