Gardening

Science & Nature

13 May

Gardening: A Hobby That Benefits Both Body and Mind

Gardening is a hobby that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It involves cultivating and nurturing plants, both edible and ornamental, in a designated space. Although it may seem like a simple activity, gardening is actually quite complex, requiring knowledge of soil types, watering schedules, and plant care, among other things. However, the benefits of gardening are numerous and extend far beyond just growing beautiful plants.

One of the most obvious benefits of gardening is the physical activity it provides. Digging, planting, weeding, and watering are all activities that require movement and can help to improve overall physical health. Gardening can be a great form of exercise, helping to build strength, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, being outdoors and getting fresh air and sunlight can also boost mood and energy levels.

Another benefit of gardening is its therapeutic value. Many people find that spending time in the garden is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Gardening provides an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and focus on a calming and rewarding activity. Studies have also shown that gardening can help to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

In addition to its physical and mental health benefits, gardening can also be a sustainable and environmentally friendly activity. Growing your own food can reduce your carbon footprint and help to promote more sustainable food systems. In addition, planting native species can help to support local ecosystems and biodiversity.

However, gardening does require some effort and knowledge. For those who are new to gardening, it is important to start small and choose plants that are easy to grow and maintain. It is also important to research the specific needs of each plant, including soil type, watering requirements, and sunlight exposure. With a little patience and dedication, gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that benefits both body and mind.

Questions

A) Comprehension Questions

What is one benefit of gardening?
A) Reducing stress and anxiety B) Increasing carbon footprint C) Causing harm to local ecosystems D) Promoting unhealthy eating habits
What is a potential challenge that gardeners may face?
A) Abundance of rainfall B) Pests and disease C) Lack of sunlight D) Over-fertilization
How can gardening contribute to a sustainable lifestyle?
A) By increasing reliance on store-bought produce B) By decreasing reliance on sustainable food systems C) By decreasing carbon footprint D) By promoting unhealthy eating habits
What is a potential benefit of community gardens?
A) Promoting social connections B) Encouraging unhealthy eating habits C) Causing harm to local ecosystems D) Increasing carbon footprint
What is the meaning of the word "cultivating" in the context of gardening?
A) Removing plants from the ground B) Planting seeds in soil C) Caring for plants in a designated space D) Destroying plants in a designated space
What is a potential challenge for urban gardeners?
A) Abundance of sunlight B) Lack of space C) Lack of rainfall D) Lack of pests and disease
How can gardening be used to address food insecurity?
A) By decreasing access to fresh, healthy produce B) By promoting unhealthy eating habits C) By providing access to fresh, healthy produce D) By increasing reliance on store-bought produce
What is a potential challenge for gardeners dealing with weather fluctuations?
A) Over-fertilization B) Pests and disease C) Overwatering D) Inadequate plant adaptation
What is the meaning of the phrase "carbon footprint" in the context of gardening?
A) The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of growing, transporting, and storing produce B) The amount of water used in gardening C) The amount of sunshine needed for plant growth D) The amount of pests and diseases in a garden
What is a potential benefit of growing your own food?
A) Decreasing self-sufficiency B) Decreasing reliance on store-bought produce C) Promoting unhealthy eating habits D) Increasing carbon footprint

B) VOCABULARY Questions

1 What is the meaning of the word "compost"?

A) A type of fertilizer B) A type of insect C) A type of soil D) A type of plant

2. What is the meaning of the word "fertilizer"?

A) A substance used to kill pests B) A substance used to make plants grow C) A type of garden tool D) A type of flower

3. What is the meaning of the word "mulch"?

A) A type of fertilizer B) A type of insect C) A type of soil D) A type of organic material used to cover the soil

4. What is the meaning of the word "perennial"?

A) A plant that dies after one growing season B) A plant that lives for many years C) A type of fertilizer D) A type of garden tool

5. What is the meaning of the word "pesticide"?

A) A substance used to make plants grow B) A substance used to kill pests C) A type of garden tool D) A type of flower

6. What is the meaning of the word "horticulture"?

A) The study of plants B) The practice of growing plants C) The practice of harvesting crops D) The study of soil

7. What is the meaning of the phrase "carbon footprint"?

A) The amount of carbon dioxide a person or organization emits B) The amount of water a person or organization uses C) The amount of waste a person or organization produces D) The amount of electricity a person or organization uses

8. What is the meaning of the word "biodiversity"?

A) The variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem B) The amount of water in an ecosystem C) The amount of soil in an ecosystem D) The amount of sunlight in an ecosystem

9. What is the meaning of the word "companion planting"?

A) The practice of growing different types of plants together to benefit each other B) The practice of growing plants in containers C) The practice of growing plants in a greenhouse D) The practice of growing plants using hydroponics

10. What is the meaning of the word "hydroponics"?

A) The practice of growing plants in soil B) The practice of growing plants using water C) The practice of growing plants using chemicals D) The practice of growing plants using artificial light

C) Long Answer Questions

What are some ways that gardening can positively impact the environment beyond reducing carbon footprint? Provide specific examples.
In what ways can gardening be used as a form of activism or advocacy? Provide examples of how gardening has been used in this way.
How can the principles of gardening be applied to other areas of life? Provide examples of how gardening principles can be applied to other domains.
In what ways can gardening impact mental health and well-being? Provide specific examples.
In what ways can technology and innovation be applied to gardening to promote sustainability and efficiency? Provide specific examples of technology and innovation being used in this way.

Vocabulary

Gardening (noun) - The practice of cultivating and growing plants, especially in a garden or allotment.
Soil (noun) - The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.
Compost (noun) - A mixture of decaying organic matter, such as leaves, vegetable scraps, and manure, used as fertilizer and soil conditioner.
Pruning (verb) - Trimming (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.
Fertiliser (noun) - A substance used to provide nutrients to soil or plants, especially by chemical or organic means.
Pollination (noun) - The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds.
Germinate (verb) - (Of a seed or spore) begin to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy.
Mulch (noun) - A material, typically organic, such as leaves, straw, or compost, that is spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.
Irrigation (noun) - The supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by means of channels.
Prune (noun) - A plum-like fruit that is usually purple or dark red when ripe and is eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
Pesticide (noun) - A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Harvest (verb) - Collect (a crop) as a yield.
Till (verb) - Prepare and cultivate (land) for crops.
Greenhouse (noun) - A building with glass walls and roof, used for growing plants that need warmth and protection.
Weed (noun) - A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.

Answers

Part A

Part B

A) A type of fertilizer
B) A substance used to make plants grow
D) A type of organic material used to cover the soil
B) A plant that lives for many years
B) A substance used to kill pests
B) The practice of growing plants
A) The amount of carbon dioxide a person or organization emits
A) The variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem
A) The practice of growing different types of plants together to benefit each other
B) The practice of growing plants using water

Part C

Gardening can have positive environmental impacts beyond reducing carbon footprint. For example, gardening can help to reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater in the soil. This can help to prevent erosion and reduce the amount of pollution entering waterways. Gardening can also promote biodiversity by providing habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, gardening can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by composting organic materials.
Gardening can be used as a form of activism or advocacy in various ways. For example, community gardens can be used to promote social justice and community empowerment. Urban gardens can be used to address food insecurity and promote access to fresh, healthy produce in areas where it may not be readily available. Additionally, gardening can be used to promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices. For instance, school gardens can be used to educate children about the importance of protecting the environment and reducing waste.
The principles of gardening can be applied to other areas of life in various ways. For example, the concept of nurturing and caring for plants can be applied to interpersonal relationships, as well as self-care practices. Additionally, the idea of cultivating a healthy and sustainable environment can be applied to business practices, such as promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste. Finally, the idea of community and cooperation that is often inherent in gardening can be applied to civic engagement and social justice efforts.
Gardening can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. For example, gardening can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can promote self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, gardening can be a meditative and stress-reducing activity, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Finally, gardening can promote physical activity and outdoor time, which are both important for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Technology and innovation can be used to promote sustainability and efficiency in gardening in various ways. For example, drip irrigation systems can help to conserve water and reduce waste. Similarly, vertical farming techniques can help to reduce the amount of land required for growing produce. Finally, technology can be used to monitor and optimize soil health, which can promote healthier plants and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Questions?

Please do make a note of any questions you might have so that you can discuss these with your teacher during your next live lessons! Remember, all questions are very welcome (there are no silly questions here at FoL English!)

Freddie Ryder https://folenglish.com