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The benefits of horticulture therapy for teens

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These days, teens may consider gardening an antiquated pastime—an activity with no relevance to today’s world. They may think, why should I grow my own veggies when the local grocery store is chock full of them?

Most modern teens don’t follow a healthy diet, preferring pre-packaged meals over fresh foods. Many would also rather be on their devices than spending time outdoors in a garden. That’s tragic, however, because gardening offers many physical and mental benefits.

Horticulture therapy for mental health

Nature has offered psychological and spiritual benefits for thousands of years. As the English poet and journalist Alfred Austin noted, “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” 

The deep contemplation inspired by a meditative forest walk or the pleasure of biting into a vine-ripened tomato you grew yourself is a balm for the human spirit. And for teens—who are navigating identity formation amid great academic and peer pressures—this calming influence of nature is particularly beneficial. For them, garden therapy can be just what the doctor ordered.

The positive effects of therapeutic horticulture on mental health are well-documented. For instance, one research review concluded that engaging in gardening and other nature activities can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. 

Other benefits of horticulture therapy

Beyond its clear and robust mental health benefits, gardening is a great way for teens to burn calories and build muscles. Turning soil and digging holes engage the arms, shoulders, and back, building strength in the upper body. Kneeling to plant seeds or seedlings involves squatting and bending, which improves flexibility and leg strength.

Besides requiring physical exertion, therapeutic gardening gets teens outside where they can soak up the sun. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for boosting bone strength and immune function. Fresh air also oxygenates the blood, awakening and energizing adolescents.

Beyond physical and emotional benefits, therapy with plants offers cognitive benefits, such as enhanced problem-solving. Like all productive activities, gardening comes with a unique set of challenges. Whether determining why a plant isn’t thriving or dealing with invasive weeds, teen gardeners will inevitably face problems that require thoughtful solutions and ingenuity. This can build a sense of self-reliance and boost self-esteem.

Finally, because gardening instills knowledge of plant biology, life cycles, and ecosystems, it helps teens learn more about the environment and their place in it. Young gardeners witness firsthand how plants grow, how pollination works, and the importance of healthy soil. Such practical knowledge complements the abstract concepts they learn in school, making them tangible and easier to grasp.

Debunking common myths about kids gardening

Youth may avoid gardening because they have accepted one or more common misconceptions about it:

  • Gardening is too difficult: Many teens think gardening is difficult. However, growing low-maintenance plants, such as cherry tomatoes, potatoes, beets, and cucumbers, is relatively simple. As your teen gains experience, they can gradually take on more challenging projects.
  • You need a green thumb: That one needs a “green thumb” is another misconception that prevents many would-be gardeners from trying their hand at growing. Successful gardening is about learning and persistence, not innate talent. If dedicated and willing to practice, anyone can become a good gardener.
  • Gardening is expensive: While it’s possible to spend a lot on gardening, it doesn’t have to be costly. Many gardening supplies can be acquired at reasonable prices, and there are plenty of DIY options available. For instance, starting plants from seeds is highly cost-effective, and repurposing household items as planters can save money.
  • Gardening is too time-consuming: Gardening doesn’t have to eat up hours of your teen’s days. For simple gardens, just 15–20 minutes a few times a week can suffice. 
  • You need a lot of room: You don’t need a huge backyard to experience the joys of gardening. Teens can grow herbs, flowers, or small vegetables in wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, or large pots on balconies or patios. If you’re really short on room, consider community gardens. 

Plant-based therapy as self-expression

Gardening can be a form of self-expression, allowing teens to externalize their emotions in creative and meaningful ways. For example, a teen may create a garden dedicated to a deceased loved one—a friend, family member, or beloved pet. Choosing plants or flowers that remind them of that person or pet can be a touching way to honor their memory and process feelings of grief and loss.

Themed gardens are another fantastic way for teens to express themselves creatively. For example, they may choose to plant herbs and flowers from the Harry Potter series or place characters and props from the Star Wars universe in an already established garden. 

Choosing the right tools

The following list of essential gardening tools will help you teen get started with gardening:  

  • Trowel for digging holes
  • Watering can to keep plants hydrated 
  • Gardening gloves to protect hands from dirt and prickly thorns  
  • Pruners for trimming and shaping plants
  • Garden fork for turning soil and breaking up clumps, which aerates the ground and prepares it for planting
  • Hand rake to clear leaves and debris and to loosen soil 
  • Hoe to cultivate the soil  
  • Garden kneeler or pad to protect knees when working at ground level 

A step-by-step guide to starting a small garden

  1. 1. Choose a good location: Most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. 
  2. 2. Prepare the soil: Because good soil is crucial for healthy plants, enrich it with compost or other organic fertilizer. For container gardens, use high-quality potting mix.
  3. 3. Plant your seeds or seedlings: Carefully follow all instructions on seed packets, noting how deep and how far from other plants seeds must be planted.
  4. 4. Regular care: Encourage your teen to check on their plants every day to ensure they thrive. 

Plants as therapy: Additional resources

Many resources are available to help teens develop a green thumb. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Books: Books such as Tammy Wylie’s Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners are excellent resources that help budding gardeners hone their horticultural knowledge. 
  • Online tutorials: YouTube offers tutorials on everything from soil preparation to pest control.
  • Local gardening clubs: Many communities have gardening clubs or community gardens where your teen can connect with other gardeners. 

Gardening as a complement to teen therapy

  1. As you can see, gardening offers a variety of health benefits for teens, and it can be particularly beneficial for adolescents struggling with mental health challenges. If your teen is struggling with a condition such as depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder, however, activities like gardening are best used in tandem with professional counseling.
  2. If your teen could benefit from working with a counselor, consider online therapy—an evidence-based alternative to traditional therapy. With online teen therapy, youth can get the help they desperately need from the comfort of their own home—without sitting in crowded waiting rooms or getting stuck in traffic. It allows adolescents to connect with a therapist anywhere there’s an internet connection, making it easy for them to get support discreetly and privately.

The health benefits of gardening: Final thoughts

Gardening offers a host of therapeutic benefits for teens. It reduces stress and anxiety, enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-reliance and self-esteem, and helps them become more mindful of their environment. In a world where digital distractions contribute to ever decreasing attention spans, gardening provides adolescents an opportunity to slow down and revel in the simple pleasures of nurturing plants from seed to seedling to plant, an experience that can enrich their lives by encouraging mindfulness, self-reflection, and a focus on productivity. For these reasons, gardening can be a valuable activity within a broader mental health treatment plan.