Creating the Perfect Veg Patch: What you Should Plant for your Physical and Mental Health

Gardening is one of the most therapeuritc pastimes to have, especially during the summer months and it can work wonders for our mental health. In fact, many professionals recommend it as a way to tackle mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

The fresh air, repetitive nature and soothing sounds of wildlife and plants blowing in the breeze is incredibly calming. And at a time when more of us are seeking help for mental health problems, seeking help at the likes of UKAT London, a mental health clinic London based, tending to the garden is a good way to combat it.

In fact, as many of the therapists and councillors at UKAT will say, as well as gardening being good for mental and physical health, what you plant can also make a huge beneficial difference to your life too.

A good place to start is with a veg patch, as not only are you getting the physical and mental benefits of gardening as an activity, but the produce coming out the other end can also be fantastic for your diet and aiding mental health that way.

So, if you’re looking to start on a veg patch, here’s what you should be planting to aid your physical and mental wellbeing…

Leafy Greens: Spinach and Kale

Leafy greens are known as superfoods and the likes of spinach and kale are so, so good for your mental and physical health. Spinach is rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A,C and K, which are so important for our immune system and maintaining healthy bones.

Kale, for example, is also nutrient-dense and offers high levels of vitamin C, K and other antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and support overall health. They’re incredibly easy to grow, so perfect for beginners and thrive in well-drained soil.

Root Vegetables: Carrots and Beetroots

The likes of carrots, beetroot and other root vegetables are also easy to grow, preferring loose, sandy soil with plenty of sunlight. Beetroot is rich in fibre, folate, potassium, iron, vitamin C and manganese, making them super healthy and fantastic for lowering blood pressure.

Carrots, as the old wives tale may suggest, don’t help you see in the dark, but they are beneficial to vision, as well as aiding our immune function, due to them being a brilliant source of beta-carotene, which we then convert into vitamin A.

Legumes: Peas and Beans

Legumes are among the most nutrient rich foods out there, and are quite easy to grow. They can grow in various soil types and climates, while they also release nitrogen into the soil which can enhance growth of other nearby plants too.

For ourselves, the likes of peas and beans are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, with peas good sources of vitamins A, C and K, while beans are excellent for protein, potassium, iron and magnesium.

Herbs: Basil and Mint

Herbs such as basil and mint are not only flavourful additions to your culinary repertoire but also offer numerous health benefits. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it’s a good source of vitamin K. Mint aids digestion, soothes the stomach, and has a calming effect on the mind.

These herbs are easy to grow and thrive in pots or garden beds. Basil prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil, while mint can grow almost anywhere but tends to spread, so it’s best planted in a container.

Berries: Strawberries and Blueberries

Finally, berries are not only incredibly healthy, but they also look pretty in the garden. They need well-drained, acidic soil and lots of sunlight, with strawberries fantastic for growing in pots, hanging baskets or garden beds. Blueberries, on the other hand, need ground to spread into and produce more fruit over time.

Both are rich in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants and there’s something wonderful about moving your way around the garden and picking the produce for a refreshing fruit salad. It provides a real sense of accomplishment, as well as the produce itself being wonderful for your health.