If you feel like you don’t get out enough, what could be better than some home maintenance? Starting a flower or vegetable garden can be a great way to get outdoors, and can be much more enriching than installing gutter guards or painting a fence. Whether you have a garden, or you don’t but you want one, read more about some of the surprising health benefits of gardening:

1. Boosts the immune system

Getting into the great outdoors even if it’s only as far as your backyard can be good for your immune system. There are beneficial bacteria and microorganisms found in soil that can help boost your immune system which can help you get sick less and fight off infections easier.

2. Exposure to vitamin D

Not only does the bacteria in the dirt help you fight off colds, but you will be soaking up a lot of vitamin D from the Sun as well, which can also help your immune system. Exposure to the Sun has many enjoyable benefits such as helping you get a sweet tan and exposing you to more vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus which helps with bone health. Just make sure to wear sunscreen!

3. Enjoyable aerobic exercise

Gardening isn’t all butterflies and daisies, it can be taxing on the body. But that’s actually a good thing! Gardening is considered to be a moderate aerobic exercise as it requires you to engage all the major muscle groups: legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, neck, back and abdomen. Whether you are pulling weeds, raking, or tilling, gardening is a great way to get in some more activity.

4. Lowers blood pressure and improves mood

Gardening has been shown to improve mood as it can be an engaging, satisfying activity—especially when you see the results of all your hard work. As well, gardening has been shown to lower blood pressure thanks to the vitamin D you get from the Sun and the moderate exercise it takes—both help to control high blood pressure.

5. Offers fresh produce that are locally grown and free of chemicals

If you have a produce garden then you are very fortunate because you can have produce that is grown by your hands and free of chemicals. You can also share your produce with those in your life and be proud of the work you’ve done when you see your finished vegetables, fruits, and berries.