Self B eing in touch with nature and having access to green spaces is good for your health and wellbeing. Research shows that people who spend time gardening can boost their mood, improve their quality of life and develop a sense of community. Gardening can help to keep you active and encourage you to socialise with other people. Being outdoors also exposes you to sunlight, which increases your levels of vitamin D. Cultivating your own fruit and vegetables has a whole host of other benefits too, from increasing your intake of great-tasting, fresh produce to giving you a sense of achievement. Being outside with plants and nature benefits mental health, and the physical activity can contribute to fitness, says Mark Ridsdill Smith, author of The Vertical Veg Guide to Container Gardening. Studies also show that people who grow food tend to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. GREEN FINGERS Why gardening is so good for your body and soul Words: Victoria Goldman Seasonal choice If youre organised and do your research, you can produce crops all year round, as long as you keep in touch with the changing seasons. Spring is a great time to start growing your own fruit and vegetables, though some produce can be grown at any time of the year. The Royal Horticultural Society (rhs.org.uk) has plenty of information for new and experienced gardeners, to give you an idea of what to grow and when. Crops that take a long time to mature, such as aubergines and tomatoes, need FIND OUT MORE Find more gardening tips on our website at bit.ly/InSp23garden Take a look at our Gardening and arthritis booklet at bit.ly/InSpr23booklet to be sown in March or early April, says Ridsdill Smith, while faster-growing crops, such as runner beans and courgettes, can be sown from April until the end of June. Crops that can survive cold weather, such as rocket and mustards, can be sown right up until the end of September. If youre just starting out, keep it simple, choosing two or three of your favourites. Even if you dont have a garden, you can still grow certain fruit and veg using window boxes, pots or containers (inside or outside), or even in hanging baskets. You can grow herbs in small pots on your kitchen window ledge or any sunny spot indoors. Pea shoots are quick and easy and a great place to start, says Ridsdill Smith. Other good vegetables for beginners to grow include rocket, runner or French beans, chard, kale, potatoes (choose first 22 Inspire Spring 23 pp22-24 Green fingers.indd 22 15/02/2023 09:33