Gardening is the growing of plants such as flowers, shrubs and trees as a hobby or recreation. Some people also grow vegetables or fruit in their gardens. People do gardening outdoors in the soil in their backyard, or in pots or containers on their balcony or on their patio. Some people do gardening on a roof.

Gardening dates all the way back to the first time that humans decided to plant seeds deliberately. Over 23,000 years ago, our early ancestors began planting and growing their own food. Giving up their nomadic lifestyle, these humans laid down roots that signified the beginning of civilization.

It's been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It's very gratifying to plant, tend, harvest and share your own food. Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health. Gardening routines, like watering and weeding, can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress.