1 April 2022

By Anne Levy-Ward and Sun Life Team

Can gardening save you money?
Yes – if done correctly. If you have the space, growing your own produce can cost much less than store-bought. You can save roughly RM3 when you snip a few springs of herbs rather than buying a whole bunch. Not to mention cutting down on food waste by using only what you need.

Consider some of these popular choices: lemongrass, rosemary, mint, basil, and coriander. Think of the amazing fusion of flavours you could introduce to your food. With plenty of water and fertiliser, herbs will grow well in Malaysia’s warm and humid climate. Ensure that the soil can drain any excess liquid.

If flowers are your pleasure, try Okra/Lady’s Finger. You probably know this as a vegetable, but it also produces lovely colored flowers. The next time you buy lady’s fingers, cut one up, take the seeds out and try to plant them. Help them start sprouting by wrapping in a wet paper towel for a few days and then moving them to the soil.

You can also make your own compost. And collect rainwater to water your garden to reduce your water bill.

Put the money you save into a savings account and see it grow along with your garden.

Community gardening
You can find community gardens around your community backyard. The land can be divided into plots for you and your neighbours where you can grow your own produce and, sometimes, to grow it for food banks. Some gardeners charge a small fee to help pay for things like water and compost. You may share in communal tasks like maintaining paths and in return, get fresh produce. It is also a great way to build rapport with your neighbours and swap gardening tips and tricks. Just remember to practice all social distancing measures and wear your mask if you can’t keep 2 meters between you and your fellow gardeners.

Check out these urban-farming projects that you can support:

• TTDI Edible Project
• Subur Community Gardens
• Kebun Kebun Bangsar

What if you don’t have a backyard?
If your yard is too small or you are staying in a high-rise, be creative.All you need is a container for there are plenty of vegetables and even some fruits that you can grow indoors (even in a small, city apartment), from scallions to peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries. You can’t grow anything really big (like watermelons or pumpkins) or in any great quantities.

How much time does a garden take?
A garden is definitely time-consuming. You’ll need to water and tidy it a little daily. You can’t just up and leave it without supervision. Someone, like a neighbour, will have to water it in your absence.

It’s probably a good idea to start small with your first garden. You can wear yourself out trying to tend to a large garden.Maybe a few containers, a planter hung on a porch railing, or a small bed.

You’ll need a weekend or two to get your garden started.

Is gardening good for your mental health?
‌Gardening can improve mood, making you feel more peaceful and content.A 2014 study suggested a connection to nature was significantly related to lower levels of overall anxiety. Many studies report a link between lower anxiety scores and regular exercise. By surrounding yourself with greenery and getting moving, gardening offers both advantages.

Can gardening helps fight anxiety and depression?
Gardening has even been used as therapy. Studies have found gardening and horticultural therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve attention, interrupt harmful ruminations, a symptom of anxiety, lower cortisol (the stress hormone), and increase overall life satisfaction and quality of life.

Soil has even been described as having antidepressant properties. Researchers found that bacteria found in the soil helped activate brain cells that could produce serotonin.

While gardening may help, if you find yourself struggling with your mental health, contact the hotlines below to seek help and emotional support.

• Befrienders
• Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA)
• Women’s Aid Organization (WAO)

How many calories does gardening burn?
Here’s a breakdown of calories burned for 30 minutes of gardening activities:

Of course, it isn’t just about the calories.Gardening can strengthen your core muscles, your legs, and your arms. But it’s important to do it right.

Be patient as you cultivate your relationship with your garden. Before long, you’ll reap the benefits.

Talk to our advisor today and let them help you save, grow, and invest your money for a brighter future.