In light of the governments suggestion that it is to measure the UK levels of wellbeing and quality of life there is already a piece of research that suggests that growing your own vegetables leads to longer life expectancy. The research also suggests that growing your own results in increased physical health and reduced stress levels. We knew that gardening was good for you – but this research goes even further.

The healthiest of people in Europe are those that have had an allotment for many years showing less time spent at the doctors and more time tending their produce. The research concludes that gardening is great for everyone but particularly beneficial to people over the age of 60 years. We totally agree that gardening, growing your own and the outdoor life has many benefits in terms of enjoyment, health and wellbeing. The government could reinitiate the allotment trend by allowing some of the waste ground to be reclaimed for community enjoyment. This is a great measure of wellbeing!