Gardening has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, especially during crises. Using an international survey of gardeners (n = 3743), this study aimed to understand everyday gardening experiences, perspectives and attitudes during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our qualitative reflexive thematic and sentiment analyses show that during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening seemed to create a safe and positive space where people could socially connect, learn and be creative. Participants had more time to garden during the pandemic, which led to enhanced connections with family members and neighbours, and the ability to spend time in a safe outdoor environment. More time gardening allowed for innovative and new gardening practices that provided enjoyment for many participants. However, our research also highlighted barriers to gardening (e.g. lack of access to garden spaces and materials). Our results illustrate the multiple benefits of gardening apparent during COVID-19 through a lens of the social-ecological model of health.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	qualitative research, wellbeing, COVID-19, garden, therapeutic horticulture,
Research Division:	Human Society
Research Group:	Human geography
Research Field:	Health geography
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Evaluation of health and support services
Objective Field:	Social structure and health
UTAS Author:	Marsh, P (Dr Pauline Marsh)
ID Code:	151111
Year Published:	2022
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	UTAS Centre for Rural Health
Deposited On:	2022-07-19
Last Modified:	2022-11-17
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