Healthy Vegetable Gardening Image by Salvadonica, Chianti, Tuscany

Summer comes but once a year and I think we had ours this past weekend with temperatures in the mid 20s.  This was the weekend for getting outside and cleaning up the yard and it didn’t take much to twist my arm to get me in the garden.

Gardening is a great way to relax and get your body in-shape: you are out in the air, connecting with nature, getting fit and generally feeling great.  For 30 minutes of gardening you burn about 150-200 calories. At the same time you increase your endurance, flexibility and strength, which, according to the University of Virginia puts gardening right up there with exercise such as walking and cycling.

Getting down and dirty with the flowers and the soil is good for your heart, your blood pressure and your brain.  If you’re growing your own food in your garden you have the added benefit of having fresh fruits and vegetables and the admiration of your dinner guests. In fact, why not give them a tour of your vegetable garden after they have eaten and enjoyed their meal to encourage them to grow their own. Offer them your expert advice on how to grow a flourishing and healthy garden.