When I first started gardening, I never thought about it as a feminist activity. I mean I just wanted a few pretty flowers, maybe some lettuce and herbs, and a couple of lilacs to offer fragrance on a summer day. In fact, my first garden consisted of two pots of cherry tomatoes plus two with mixed herbs.
But in digging a little deeper — pun intended — I found that tending to a garden, either large or small, could be a quiet (or not-so-quiet) act of empowerment. It’s good for the body, great for the mind, and, in many ways, deeply connected to women’s strength, independence, and care for their families and communities.
For generations, women have grown food to feed their families — from backyard vegetable patches to window boxes full of herbs. During the World Wars, Victory Gardens were often cared for by women, helping stretch rations and boost morale.
In fact, gardening has long been a way for women to take control — whether it’s about putting fresh produce on the table, preserving family traditions, or creating a space to relax and recharge. In a world where women’s work is often undervalued or invisible, gardening is a way to proudly say: this space, this food, this beauty — I made this.
Gardening as a path to physical and mental health
Gardening might not come with a spin class playlist, but it is without doubt a full-body workout. You’re digging, squatting, lifting, pulling — all the kinds of movements that build strength, flexibility, and endurance. And because it’s done outdoors, you’re soaking up fresh air, vitamin D, and all the feel-good benefits of being in nature.
This great article by Harvard Health offers up some concrete evidence of the benefits available to you from gardening, no matter how big or small: while weeding or mowing offers the greatest impact, even picking vegetables or composting will add positively to your activity minutes.
Gardening is also (mostly) gentle and forgiving. You can go at your own pace, in your own way. It’s a fantastic way to stay active without needing fancy equipment or a gym membership. Plus, you get tomatoes at the end! And you can exorcise your demons by attacking weeds!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching something grow — especially when you’ve nurtured it from a tiny seed. Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood. For women who often juggle multiple roles — caregiver, worker, partner, friend — time spent in the garden can be a powerful act of self-care.
Gardening also brings people together. Seed swaps, plant sales, or even a quick chat over the virtual and literal fence about favourite garden tips can build connection and community — something we all need a bit more of these days.
Gardening is more than weeding or planting. I have come to realize that time in the garden is making a statement. My health matters, my work has value, and my voice — just like the garden — deserves space to grow. Feminism can be bold and loud, just like my peonies, and it can also be quiet, patient, persistent, and rooted in care.
MarthaFitat55 lives, works and gardens in eastern Newfoundland, on the edge of the North Atlantic.
