Gardening is good for you

Taking up gardening as a hobby is a good way of achieving a healthier lifestyle, experts say.

Gardening not only provides people with exercise and gets them outdoors, but it could also help to provide a better diet.

Research by Cambridge University shows that taking regular, moderate exercise and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can each add three years to your life.

Gardening also fits in well with the government's promotion of healthier lifestyles.

"By growing your own fruit and vegetables you are achieving two of the government's suggestions in one," said the Guy Barter of the Royal Horticultural Society.

"Homegrown produce is tastier and better for you as nutrient levels can deteriorate in storage and are at the highest the moment crops are harvested. There are many easy to grow varieties to try if you are a beginner and they give you plenty of exercise tending to them!"

The forthcoming BBC Gardeners' World Live exhibition in Birmingham will attempt to do its bit to get people interested in gardening from an early age.

The show will feature a Grow It! section dedicated to encouraging today's youth community to enjoy growing their own food, as well as a 'Family Sunday' with a children's trail to lead young visitors and their parents around various gardens and exhibits.

"It is vital for our younger generations to experience the opportunities that growing fruit and vegetables offers," said BBC gardening expert Monty Don.

"They can learn where food comes from and how to grow crops free of chemical enhancers, and get some exercise at the same time."

One exhibitor in the Grow It! section will be Neville Lilly, a gardening enthusiast from Jamaica who will be showcasing his Birmingham Youth Organic Environmental garden.

He has spent the last three years giving children from inner city Birmingham the chance to experience gardening and growing their own food.

"Many of the children in central Birmingham live in flats and houses without facilities to engage in gardening and don't spend much time out in the fresh air," said Mr Lilly.

"The hands-on approach we adopt offers the children life skills as well as the knowledge to cultivate land and grow their own produce, proving how simple and enjoyable it is to grown and eat your own vegetables.

"The time spent in the garden also diverts them away from anti-social behaviour and provides a real opportunity to get some exercise."

Recent research by the Horticultural Trades Association recommends that people spend at least 20 minutes a day gardening, tending to plants or enjoying green space to improve their health and well-being.

The study also showed that one to two hours a day of gardening could reduce coronary heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Research has also shown that exposure to plants helps reduce stress levels, increases concentration and productivity and improves mood. XXX