A hobby is not only a way to pass the time. It is a rewarding way to pass the time.  Reward-wise, one of the best hobbies around is gardening. Firstly, because it is a pleasure to watch things grow. Secondly, because gardening will add years to your life.

Working with soil gives the gardener a dose of daily physical activity that exercises the body and helps reduce stress. Contrary to the belief that gardening is a dainty pursuit for frail old ladies, this activity involves a wide range of motions, including weight-bearing ones. In fact, digging holes, pulling weeds, pushing a mower, hauling heavy rocks, dragging the hose, and so on can be so strenuous that you should get your body in shape by strengthening your back, knees, hands, forearms and wrists before starting a gardening project.

Here are a few basic moves designed to save you from the most common soil-tilling complaints; for complete list, search the internet or ask a physiotherapist for advice.

• For stronger hands, squeeze a soft rubber ball.
• For stronger back, work on your abs.
• For stronger arms, do wall push-ups. If that is too easy, get down for some floor push-ups.

Another benefit from gardening is the exposure to sunlight. A regular dose of sunlight is essential because it enables your body to produce vitamin D, which promotes stronger bones and better health. However, be careful not to overdo the sun aspect!

Health-wise, you will get even more out of your gardening hobby if you grow vegetables to ensure a supply of fresh produce for your kitchen. Add to your list of plants to cultivate the herbs and spices with proven medicinal qualities, and both your health and your taste buds will thank you.

The next step is to head for the bidorbuy gardening section to buy all you need for your gardening hobby.

Did you know…

• An hour of gardening can burn as many calories as a brisk 5.5 kilometres walk.
• Garlic is excellent for your health and for your garden too, because it acts as a natural insect repellent.
• Parsley helps combat the “garlic breath”: grow parsley in your garden and chew some leaves after consuming garlic.