The Dirt on Wellness: What Gardening Really Does for Kids and Adults
We often think of gardening as a relaxing hobby or a way to grow fresh food. But decades of research shows it’s much more than that — especially for children. Spending time in the garden and working with soil has measurable physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for people of all ages.
Let’s start with the soil itself.
Healthy soil is alive with microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, protozoa — that support life above ground and below. One of those microbes, Mycobacterium vaccae, is naturally found in dirt and has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical that helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and support feelings of well-being. Simply digging, planting, or walking barefoot in the garden introduces these microbes to our systems — helping to boost both mood and immune health.
For kids, this matters a lot. Their bodies are still developing, and exposure to soil microbes helps build stronger immune systems. This is especially important in today’s indoor, sanitized world where many children aren’t getting the same exposure to the natural environment that previous generations did. Playing in the dirt isn’t just okay — it’s healthy.
Gardening also supports healthy movement.
Tending a garden involves digging, lifting, carrying, pulling, and squatting. These movements strengthen muscles, improve balance, and develop coordination. For children, it supports gross and fine motor development. For adults, it’s a natural way to stay active — especially for those who don’t enjoy traditional exercise.
There’s also the stress factor.
Time in the garden — even just 30 minutes — can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and calm the nervous system. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and sensory input (smelling herbs, feeling textures, hearing birds and bees) helps settle an overstimulated brain. Children, in particular, show improved focus and reduced signs of anxiety and behavioral challenges after time in a garden setting.
And then there’s the brain.
Gardening supports cognitive development. Kids learn sequencing (what to plant when), patience (watching something grow over time), and responsibility (daily watering and care). They also begin to understand natural systems — how soil, water, sun, and pollinators work together. This hands-on learning improves memory, problem-solving, and observation skills.
Adults benefit, too. Gardening gives us something to nurture and care for, often offering a sense of accomplishment and purpose that’s hard to find in screen-based or sedentary routines.
Food from the garden teaches something different.
When kids grow it, they’re more likely to eat it — even vegetables. Research has shown that children involved in growing fruits and vegetables are more willing to try new foods and are more aware of where food comes from. They build a connection to food that supports healthy habits for life.
In short:
Gardening supports physical health, immune strength, and mood
Soil microbes help reduce anxiety and support serotonin production
Children develop motor skills, focus, patience, and confidence
Adults gain relaxation, mindfulness, and low-impact exercise
Everyone benefits from time outdoors, sensory engagement, and the joy of growing something real
You don’t need a full backyard to experience these benefits. A few pots, a raised bed, or a community garden plot can be enough. What matters most is consistency — and the opportunity for kids and adults alike to engage with something alive and growing.
Whether you’re a child discovering how a seed turns into a tomato, or an adult finding calm at the end of a long day, the garden offers something simple and lasting: nourishment for body and mind.
