Over the years several studies have demonstrated the health benefits of gardening. But it also can potentially extend your life. A study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham Woman's Hospital indicated that the mortality rate was 12% lower in women who lived in green surroundings. And a study by Dr. Masahiko Gemma of Waseda University in Tokyo of self-employed farmers whose work was “similar to the work of maintaining a garden” had a longer life expectancy than non-farmers.
There are also various health benefits to volunteering. And one of those benefits is it may also help you live longer. Data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging showed that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not.
So if you enjoy gardening, now is the time to consider becoming a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteer. The application period for the 2022 training program is now open and can be obtained at http://solanomg.ucanr.edu.
If you're accepted into the program, you'll be provided with instruction on a wide range of horticulture topics ranging from plant pathology and soils to pollinators and vegetable gardening. And new Master Gardener volunteers are only required to perform a minimum of 50 volunteer hours during their first year. But the program allows volunteers to choose the volunteer activity they are interested in, the dates and locations from a volunteer calendar. For questions about the program or application process, contact Jennifer Baumbach at jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu or call (707) 389-0645. Please note which county you live in.