In Case You Haven't Heard…

Can gardening boost your mood in the same way as exercise? A new study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning finds that there's one surprisingly mood‐boosting activity we can do even if we're locked up alone at home: tending a small garden, The Washington Post reported May 15. The study shows that gardening boosts people's moods by as much as some common types of exercise, like cycling and walking. That boost is available whether it is done alone or with others, on a city balcony or a suburban lawn, and it seems to be particularly strong for women and low‐income people. The study found that while all types of gardening are good for your mental health, people who grow their own vegetables seem to be especially pleased with their efforts relative to those who grow only flowers or decorative plants.