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Gardening season is upon us, and yes, we have been busy playing in the dirt. Tilling and planting began nearly two weeks ago. My husband planted potatoes and cabbage after the threat of frost and freezing temperatures was presumably over. He has since, in between rain days, planted tomatoes, eggplant, squash and pumpkins, sunflowers and buckwheat. There are still seeds to go in the ground but we are off to a good start.
Weeding has also begun. I spent some time pulling weeds in the asparagus patch and about three hours on Wednesday weeding the garlic bed. Weeding the Prayer Garden is next on my list.
The contrary among you may argue that the title of this post, Dirt Don’t Hurt, is misleading because there are ways that dirt can be harmful to us. That I will concede. Now that I’ve got you here though I would like to share some ways that dirt may therapeutic.
Grounding or Earthing
Grounding or earthing refers to the simple act of placing our bare feet on the natural ground, such as dirt, sand or grass. By doing that, we are in direct contact with the Earth. While the proposed science behind it is explained in this article some of the heath benefits are said to be reduced inflammation, reduce stress, improve mood, reduced pain. Personally I don’t care how it works I just know that it feels good to go barefoot in the cool green grass or on a sand beach.
Antidepressant Microbes In Soil
A while back a Rory, a fellow blogger included this interesting article in his gardening series. The article explains that “The soil microbe mycobacterium vaccae has been found to mirror the effect on neurons in the brain that drugs like Prozac can provide, but without side effects.” It also suggests that the benefits may be gained either topically by having your hands in the soil or by inhaling it while working in the garden.
All this time I’ve been using the term “garden therapy” I never thought that there may be some science behind it I just knew that I find working in the garden enjoyable and I feel good when I do it.
Bacillus Subtilis Probiotic
It was right around the time I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease that I began including probiotics in my diet daily. Largely I was doing this by eating and drinking fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha. There did seem to be a connection between my poor digestion and some of the other symptoms of the PD, and probiotics did have some positive effects.
Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic that is derived from the soil and as this article explains is able to endure extreme conditions such as heat, dryness, humidity and acidity. It is said to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, suppress harmful pathogens, strengthen the mucosal biofilm and enhance the growth of other probiotic strains.
Several months ago my husband came across this information which describes studies being done on bacillus subtilis in relationship to PD and positive results that are being seen. This got my attention. This particular strain of probiotic is not one that is included in the many probiotic supplements that I found on the store shelves. I did find one blend at a nutrition store that contained it but beyond that it is easier to find online.
I have been taking bacillus subtilis supplements for a few months now and have noticed several benefits to my health.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to “Play in the Dirt” this summer. 🙂
Don't Eat It! Soap and Skin Care 
Well I played in the dirt, mulch, rocks and pulled weeds til my fingers hurt and my body felt like a Mack truck ran over me. There is satisfaction in looking at the finished product now, however the thought of the bad weather tonight makes me worried what havoc Mother nature will wreck out there. Slowly but surely you will get your many planting chores done and soon will enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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As Anne and I were taking about, it works well to pace ourselves – but I have done those types of marathons before and there is satisfaction despite the pain. I have spent the last two evenings weeding the prayer garden. At this rate I might have it done by the end of the week. Some rain and even thunder and lightning would be okay but we’re hoping we don’t get hail tonight.
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Weeds are nonstop and the heat and rain from last week and today’s heat spike and overnight storms will likely germinate all those maple spinners that were flying around me on Saturday. Everything stays looking good for a few days this time of year – the elm seeds were flying around furiously too. I am worried about the hail too – I just put out all my yard decor, and my new hummer feeders. Didn’t know whether to bring them in or not … I worry alot about storms like this. Stay safe Ruth.
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My Michigan flower beds were so beautiful with the years of planning and planting and care. I have a whole new blank canvas here in the mountains . A bit overwhelming and a little daunting but taking baby steps and enjoying my time outside again
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We often refer to the farm as our canvass. It will be fun to learn about what things might grow well there that you could not grow in Michigan. Take your time, enjoy the creativity and make it yours. 🙂 Love You!
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No wonder I like playing in the dirt in my garden! It is good for me and so is the vitamin D from the sunshine.
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It sure is Faye! And YES the sunshine makes it even better. 🙂 Happy Gardening!!!
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Top notch post Ruth and many thanks for the call out 🙂
Gotta love being dirty and as they say happy gardeners are always on their knees getting down and dirty!!
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Thanks Rory. The article/information you shared worked perfectly into this post. I was happy to share it. 🙂
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I’m a firm believer in garden therapy–sunshine, soil, and plants are good for the soul!
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Indeed! Happy gardening!!! 🙂
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This is most encouraging. I began working in the garden that came with this house, and it was not a labor of love. I’m getting better. Limiting the time to half an hour made me look forward to being outside. Now you say it’s good to dig in the dirt. I’m digging weeds, but that’s better than nothing. Thanks for this encouragement.
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I’m glad you found this encouraging Anne. I have to limit my time or at least get up and take breaks too as my legs get stiff from kneeling on the ground too long. After about 30 minutes of pulling weeds I get up and walk around for 10 minutes or so.
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Taking a break is sensible. I tell myself to stop, but there is always one more weed just ahead. I’m going to have to be more stern with myself.
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