As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, many of us feel the pull to be outside more – and what better way to embrace summer than by getting stuck into a little gardening? If you’re looking for a rewarding and easy entry into growing your own food, tomatoes are a fantastic choice. But did you know that growing tomatoes can do more than just fill your salad bowl? It can also boost your physical activity, mental wellbeing, and connection to nature.
Here’s how tending to your tomatoes can help you stay active this summer:
- It Gets You Moving – Without Feeling Like Exercise 🏃♀️🌿
Caring for tomato plants involves regular light activity – watering, weeding, pruning, potting on, and harvesting. These tasks keep you moving gently and naturally, often without even realising it.
In fact, gardening is classed as moderate-intensity physical activity, which means it counts towards your weekly movement goals, without needing a gym membership!
💡 Fun Fact: Just 30 minutes of gardening can burn between 150–300 calories, depending on the activity.
- It Encourages Daily Outdoor Time 🌞🍃
Tomatoes need frequent attention during the summer, which naturally draws you outside more often. Whether you’re checking the soil, tying up stems, or admiring those ripening red fruits, your tomato plants become the perfect excuse to get a daily dose of sunshine and fresh air.
This regular outdoor routine supports:
- Vitamin D production
- Better mood and lower stress
- Improved sleep and focus
- It’s a Mindful Hobby With Tangible Rewards 🌱🍅
Unlike some exercise routines that can feel repetitive, tomato growing is dynamic and seasonal. You’re constantly responding to your plants – trimming side shoots, adjusting watering, or harvesting at just the right moment. This keeps your brain and body engaged, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see your efforts result in real, edible produce.
Plus, getting children or family members involved turns it into a shared activity that encourages healthy habits and teamwork.
