Return to the Perennials Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

Posted by ruth_mi z5MI (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 15, 14 at 22:17

Someone linked to this on the Soil, Compost and Mulch forum. Thought some of you might enjoy it too.

I'm personally fascinated with microbiome research, but hey, what a great excuse to buy more plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

I guess that's why I always feel so happy when I work at the potting table. Time to get out there again this week, whether it's too hot or not. My strawberry window boxes got dried out by accident and need some major pruning of dead leaves. We've been spoiled by rain most of the year, but it missed us that day.Hopefully they will recover.


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

I generally don't wear gloves when digging around in the soil, mostly for the sake of precision and tactile enjoyment (there's an analogy to another human activity which I will leave to your imagination). It's nice to think this might expose me to microbes which could elevate my mood, even though it also puts me at risk from pathogens which could harm me (i.e. the agent of tetanus), not to mention cuts from rocks and bits of broken bottles and construction debris thoughtfully left behind by other people decades ago.


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

I don't like wearing gloves either, on the odd occasion I have but usually end up chucking them. I love the feel of the soil between my fingers and find gloves a nuisance when doing some delicate weeding. Needless to say I keep my tetanus shot renewed when needed.
Maybe that explains why after a hard day working in the garden, coming in stiff and sore and reaching for the Aleve I'm in such a good frame of mind :).

Annette


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

gardening is just an excuse to allow adults to play in the dirt ...

we surely didnt need some multimillion dollar gubment study to explain such.. did we???

ken


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

I love to play in the dirt as long as it is not sweltering and especially as long as mosquitoes or flies leave me alone.

I do like to pull on thin rubber gloves before digging in.


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

Very interesting. I usually use gloves because my alkaline soil is so drying to the hands, but it says we can inhale it, too. I know it does elevate my mood, but I thought it was sunshine and being out in nature. Who knew it's something in the soil, too!

I'm wondering if this would apply to potting mix as well. That could explain why so many people, including me, look forward to winter sowing. It makes me feel good in January to play with soil and seeds when it's cold and icy outside.


 o
RE: Playing in the dirt really DOES make us happy

  • Posted by mxk3 z5b/6 MI (My Page) on
    Mon, Aug 18, 14 at 8:06

I always wear gloves when I garden. Can't STAND the feeling of dirt on hands or especially under nails.


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Perennials Forum

Information about Posting

  • You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
  • Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
  • We have a strict no-advertising policy!
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.


Learn more about in-text links on this page here