We catch up with Alexandra Negoita, lecturer at Coventry University specialised in environmental psychology, to discuss the possible benefits of gardening for our wider mental heath.
Gardening insights with Alexandra Negoita
Who are we speaking to, can you share a little bit about yourself?
I’m Alexandra, lecturer at Coventry University and nature enthusiast. I’m an environmental research psychologist exploring how meaningful experiences with nature support both personal and planetary well-being.
Is it a logical journey to what you do now?
Absolutely. My PhD, which I’m currently preparing to submit, focuses on mindfulness, compassion for nature, and nature connection. I’m particularly interested in the feedback loops between our personal well-being and the health of the natural world. Gardening exemplifies this beautifully—it’s an activity that promotes physical and mental health while encouraging deeper, more meaningful engagement with nature.
It has often been said that gardening is good for you, is there new, more detailed information about why this is so, and how it helps us?
There’s growing evidence that gardening supports well-being in a unique and accessible way. Physically, it’s adaptable—whether you’re potting herbs on a windowsill or working an allotment, gardening offers movement at your own pace. It can be a light daily activity or a full-body workout, depending on your approach.
As for mental health, where do I start? Gardening naturally brings about what I like to call organic mindfulness. It gently draws us into the present by engaging our senses—the feeling of soil between our fingers, the earthy scent of compost, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. This sensory experience quiets the mind and grounds us, offering calm and clarity. As we care for our plants, our attention shifts from daily worries to the living world in front of us. Watching a tiny seed grow into a vibrant flower or a fruit-bearing plant isn’t just rewarding—it’s deeply personal.
These aren’t just any sprouts; they’re ours. And in nurturing them, we form an emotional bond. We’re caring for life, knowing it depends on us to thrive. This relationship cultivates a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection. No wonder so many people proudly raise their green thumbs during National Gardening Week—it truly feeds the soul.
Are any particular types of gardening better than others?
Not necessarily. The key is in the personal meaning we attach to what we grow. Someone passionate about food might find joy and fulfilment in growing vegetables. Others might be more drawn to the beauty of flowers or the longevity of trees. The emotional and psychological benefits come from the act of nurturing life and witnessing growth, regardless of the plant type.
As growing plants and gardening involves seeing something in a changing state, is this also part of the benefits for us as well as the plants?
Great question! Very much so. Gardening reminds us of the natural cycles of change, growth, and decay. This understanding of impermanence—central to mindfulness—can be comforting. It helps us accept that change is natural and often necessary.
At the same time, seeing something grow from seed to bloom or fruit reinforces a sense of connection, we form an attachment to the place or plants. When we attach some part of our well-being to it, when it becomes a place of solace for us, that’s when the feedback loop starts. We innately protect what we care about, what is good for us. Because protecting it, tending to it, starts to feel as if we were taking care of ourselves. What a beautiful feelings it is to tend to your garden, isn’t it?!
When you mention gardening helping with social connections and loneliness, are you primarily talking about allotments and / or something else?
Allotments certainly foster social bonds—bringing people together with a shared purpose naturally builds community. Especially for older adults, communal gardening can ease loneliness and strengthen neighbourhood ties. But the social aspect of gardening extends online too. Gardening groups on platforms like Facebook or Instagram offer supportive spaces for advice, inspiration, and shared success stories. These virtual communities are surprisingly powerful in making people feel connected and motivated.
We used to teach gardening in schools in disadvantaged areas in Dublin, we think / hope that there were benefits, but of course it could be years before those children become, potentially, future gardeners, how do you even assess or measure the impact of gardening on wellbeing in this context?
That’s a fantastic initiative. Indeed, the research points toward the positive outcomes of school gardening programmes, particularly for those pupils who struggle with classroom activities. There’s some research showing that school gardening programmes can promote healthy food preferences, knowledge and positive attitudes toward food. When kids grow a veggie with their own hands, they’re more likely to be open to try it out, and even to like it. These programmes were also reported to help pupils grow in confidence and self-esteem, whilst providing a more holistic learning experience.
Although there’s a lack of long term explorations and we don’t know specifically how gardening programmes carry their benefits into adulthood, there are links between general early life exposure to nature and adult wellbeing and environmental values. For example, we know that those kids who prefer healthier foods are likely to become more conscious food consumers. When someone’s brought in a nature rich environment, they are also more likely to feel environmental stewardship. So, as we are yet to explore and fully understand the long term benefits of said programmes, there’s a general consensus that some benefits would likely carry well into adulthood.
What would be the best first actions to take, to do more gardening for those who have never done it?
Start small and be kind to yourself. Try growing an easy flower or herb in a pot to build confidence. Visit your local garden centre—they’re usually eager to help you pick something that suits your space and preferences.
Also, don’t hesitate to join online groups or communities. There’s so much support and inspiration out there, and hearing other people’s beginner stories can be incredibly reassuring. Gardening is a journey, and there’s no need to get it perfect right away.
Is there anything else you would like us to ask you?
I think it’s important to acknowledge our privilege as residents of this country to have access to land and a climate that allows everyone to grow beautiful plants. How lucky we are to be here now?!
How can people learn more about you and your work?
I regularly post about nature and my research activity on LinkedIn (Alexandra Negoita) and Instagram (@mindfulalexandra). I am a lecturer at Coventry University specialised in environmental psychology. My research looks at the benefits of mindful activities in nature for wellbeing and environmental behaviour. I’m interested in how people form a connection with the natural world, and how this connection is shaped into environmental values and behaviour.
E: ad5686@coventry.ac.uk LinkedIn: Alexandra Negoita | LinkedIn
This article is dedicated to Brian Higgins, RIP, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday this weekend and was a big advocate of the value of gardening in our lives for many of the reasons outlined in this article.
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