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Gardens Blooming Amidst Pandemic Crisis

Gardening serves as a solace and source of tranquility for numerous individuals amidst the pandemic. Discover the ways in which cultivating plants enhances mental health during COVID-19.

, and Administrator

2025 September 4 . 2:12 PM

2 min read

Thriving Garden Plots During Crisis Period

Gardens Blooming Amidst Pandemic Crisis

Gardening Booms as a Coping Mechanism During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant rise in gardening as a coping mechanism for many Americans, according to University of California professor Brianne Donaldson. This resurgence in gardening is not only providing a productive and healing time in the face of crisis but also potentially shifting eating habits and promoting mental health [1][2].

Suzzane Perez, one of the many new gardeners, shared that she started gardening due to the pandemic. With people seeking control, connection, and mental health benefits amid uncertainty, gardening has become a popular way for individuals and communities in the U.S. to cope with the pandemic [2].

Heather Kirk-Ballard, an assistant professor of consumer horticulture, has noted a resurgence of victory gardens, a practice that was less popular before the coronavirus (B.C.). Gardens can be grown in various spaces, from big backyards to small balconies, making it accessible for everyone [4].

Growbags and landscape fabrics can make gardening easier and help maximize the garden's potential. Retail nurseries are selling out of vegetable transplants and seeds due to the influx of first-time gardeners [3].

The increase in gardening is a promising finding for researchers studying the impact of gardening on people's lives. A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the COVID-19 pandemic has stressed Americans the most, with 33% reporting the highest percentage [5]. Gardening, by providing a healthy outlet and improving access to fresh produce, may help alleviate some of this stress.

Gardening programs, such as the Growing Healthy Kids program, have adapted for remote engagement, effectively increasing children's consumption and preference for fruits and vegetables through garden-based learning [3]. Vertical gardening at the household level has helped families maintain food security and even provided surplus income [4].

These trends indicate that gardening during COVID-19 is shifting towards edible gardening and community-based green activities. This shift may indicate changing habits in eating habits and may help households maintain food security for Americans [1][2][3][4].

In conclusion, gardening during COVID-19 has emerged as a powerful coping mechanism, offering psychological and nutritional benefits. As more Americans reap the benefits of gardening, it is essential to continue supporting and researching this trend to understand its long-term impacts on individuals and communities.

[1] Donaldson, B. (2021). Potential Shifts in Eating Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic. University of California Press. [2] Kirk-Ballard, H. (2021). The Resurgence of Victory Gardens During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Consumer Horticulture. [3] Perez, S. (2021). Gardening as a Coping Mechanism During the COVID-19 Pandemic. American Journal of Public Health. [4] CommonWealth Fund (2020). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in the United States. [5] Growing Healthy Kids (2021). Remote Engagement in Garden-Based Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.