National Lawn & Garden Month

That's right, it's time to get your green thumb on and get your hands dirty. Not only will you get a great workout, but you'll also reap the mental health benefits that come with playing in the dirt. And let's be honest, who doesn't want an excuse to spend more time outside soaking up the sun and enjoying the beauty of nature?

In this edition of the Positive Pulse, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to turn your lawn into a lush paradise. So, put on your gardening gloves, and let's get ready to cultivate some positivity and growth!

Therapeutic Effects

• Gardening can act as therapy for people who have undergone trauma
• Nurturing plants is a way for people to work through issues surrounding traumatic events

Concentration & Memory

• Tasks performed while under the calming influence of nature are performed better & with greater accuracy
• Being outside can improve memory performance & attention span by 20%
• Some studies suggest that gardening can help delay the onset and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults

Mental Health

• People who spend more time in nature have better mental health & a more positive outlook on life

• People who spend time cultivating plants have less stress in their lives
• Plants provide a positive way for people to channel their stress into nurturing

Physical Health

• Gardening outdoors can provide you with much-needed exposure to sunlight, which is important for vitamin D production and overall health

Are you ready to become a vegetable-growing pro? Well, it's your lucky month because April is the perfect time to start planning your veggie garden! Not only will you save some cash, but you'll also be able to enjoy fresh produce that's not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients.

But what if you don't have a big yard or you're new to gardening? Fear not! Growing your own veggies in pots is an excellent option that doesn't require a lot of space or expertise. All you need is some soil, water, and a little bit of TLC.

So, what veggies should you try growing?

Tomatoes - Tomato plants enjoy lots of sun and to be watered regularly. These plants also require a stake, trellis or cage to keep them off the ground.

Lettuce - Leafy greens such as romaine, kale or butterhead lettuce are very easy to grow. You can harvest it as needed and watch it re-grow.

Green Beans - Can be grown as a bush or on a pole! Beans can grow in fairly poor soils because they fix the nitrogen as they go.

Herbs - Most herbs can be planted in a pot on your deck! Some easy herbs to try growing this summer are basil, mint, parsley and rosemary.

Potatoes - Growing ​potatoes in containers requires a lot of soil and water, but it is worth the resources and effort. Containers also add an extra level of protection against fungus or blight, which spreads easier among in-ground plants.

This month, we're calling on you to get your hands dirty and pot a plant! Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newbie to the gardening game, this challenge is for you.

And the best part? You can choose any plant you like! Feeling fruity? Why not pot a delicious berry bush or a luscious tomato plant? Or, if you're more into house plants, we've got you covered with some super special varieties that come with added benefits for your well-being.

Think aloe vera for soothing skin, lavender for calming scents, or snake plants for purifying the air. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are bountiful. So, what are you waiting for? Check out some more options HERE and let's get potting!

Elings, M. (2006). People-plant interaction: the physiological, psychological and sociological effects of plants on people. In Farming for health (pp. 43-55). Springer, Dordrecht.

Ellison Chair in international floriculture. Ellison Chair in International Floriculture iCal. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/

Email: ginther@smolaconsulting.com
Website: www.smolaconsulting.com
Location: 260 East Main Street, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 5857774080