Garden machinery brand STIGA is championing the Movember campaign this November by promoting gardening as a simple yet powerful way to improve men’s mental and physical health. The Movember movement encourages participants to grow a moustache each November to spark conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and other men’s health issues. STIGA argues that gardens offer an ideal setting for these discussions while providing proven therapeutic benefits.
Evidence for gardening’s mood-lifting power
A YouGov survey commissioned by STIGA found that 75% of UK garden enthusiasts believe gardening reduces stress and boosts mood, and 79% report a strong sense of personal satisfaction and achievement from nurturing their green spaces. Broader UK studies show that regular gardening lowers cortisol levels, eases symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhances overall life satisfaction.
Fresh air and sunlight trigger releases of serotonin and dopamine, while physical tasks such as digging, planting, and mowing release endorphins without requiring gym equipment. Gardening also promotes mindfulness, and observing plants thrive under care provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
Social benefits
Gardening fosters social connections through sharing tips, swapping cuttings, and casual interactions, which help combat isolation, a key risk factor for poor mental health in men.
Voices from the gardening community
- Adam Kirkland, Tales From The Potting Bench: “Without a doubt, gardening has saved me at some of the toughest times…it alters your brain, allows you to feel freer and not cooped up with your thoughts, I’m forever grateful for that!”
- Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek: “I just love interacting with plants and sharing that passion with others. It’s easy to forget how utterly important plants are in our day-to-day lives; we would be nothing without them.”
- Rob Woodhouse, Solent Garden Services: “I’m never happier than when I am outdoors with my hands in the soil. There’s something incredibly satisfying about it.”
Scientific studies support these personal accounts. A 2023 study in Wellbeing, Space and Society linked at least 150 minutes of weekly gardening to improved mental wellbeing, particularly among adults aged 64 and over. An umbrella review of 40 studies confirmed gardening’s positive effects on depression, anxiety, quality of life, and social cohesion.
Addressing men’s unique health challenges
In the UK, three-quarters of suicides are among men, many of whom delay seeking help due to stigma. Movember-funded programmes emphasise early intervention and open dialogue. Gardening complements these efforts by offering low-cost, accessible exercise and stress relief. Community allotments and therapeutic horticulture projects have shown success in supporting recovery from mental ill-health.
STIGA tools for inclusive gardening
STIGA’s battery-powered mowers, trimmers, and other tools aim to make gardening effortless and inclusive, removing barriers for beginners or those with mobility issues. Their sustainability focus encourages eco-friendly practices, enhancing the restorative experience.
Getting started
Experts recommend starting small: 30 minutes outdoors several times a week yields measurable gains in mood and energy. Even viewing greenery through a window can lower stress, but active participation amplifies the benefits.
This Movember, STIGA encourages everyone to step outside, whether growing a moustache, beard, or basil, as planting a seed can be as transformative as sprouting facial hair.