Gardening improves mental well-being and strengthens social connections, MSU research finds
A newly published study from Michigan State University (MSU) has found that participating in community gardening significantly enhances mental and social well-being.
The research, led by Katherine Alaimo, a nutritional epidemiologist and associate professor in MSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, was featured in the journal People and Nature.
Alaimo's work is also supported by MSU AgBioResearch and focuses on areas such as food security, urban agriculture, and health.
The study was a collaborative effort with researchers from Wayne State University and the University of South Carolina, conducted in partnership with Denver Urban Gardens, a leading network of community gardens in the U.S.
The research highlights the multiple benefits of gardening, including improved mental health, increased physical activity, and stronger social networks. Alaimo and her team identified a “gardening triad” — the act of caring for plants, achieving a sense of accomplishment, and feeling connected to nature — as key elements that contribute to these benefits.
These aspects were found to be central to the positive experiences reported by the participants.
The study involved interviews with 34 new community gardeners, exploring their motivations, challenges, and the impact of gardening on their lives. Participants noted that gardening not only provided joy and purpose but also helped them build new social connections and enhance existing ones.
These social interactions, along with the act of gardening itself, played a significant role in helping them manage mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Alaimo emphasizes that gardening should be considered a valuable intervention for improving well-being, particularly in community settings.
The study’s findings suggest that gardening fosters a deep sense of connection — to plants, to nature, and to other people — making it an effective approach to enhancing both mental and social health.