Gardening – How can it help?

20 March 2026 — lia-rogers

To mark the beginning of a long-awaited Spring, we want to talk gardening and highlight some of the outdoor focused activities and support groups listed on Cancer Care Map. 

So, why is gardening often suggested as a good activity for those dealing with cancer?

• It’s no secret that getting some fresh air and spending time in nature lifts your mood. Gardening also offers the opportunity to get some gentle exercise – or an intense workout, depending on what tasks you take on. 

• Research has found that getting our hands muddy can have a positive physiological and emotional effect. Essentially, a special type of bacteria in soil can boost the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. A heat-treated version of this mycobacterium is even being looked at in immunotherapy treatments.

• Cancer presents a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Growing plants and tending the soil can offer a real sense of purpose and achievement at a difficult time. 

• Gardening activities and support groups help people connect with others and create community around shared experience.
• And as anyone who’s ever grown their own will know, there’s nothing better than eating something you’ve produced yourself.

Here are just a few groups and activities in our directory that have a gardening focus:

Blooming Well Gardening Workshops – Free 6 week gardening programme in Devon providing support to people living with and beyond cancer. All tools, gloves, seeds and bulbs will be provided and refreshments too.

Thrive Birmingham/ Reading/ London – Uses gardening to support people of all ages living with disabilities and/or health conditions. Its Life Changers group is for people living with a life changing illness, injury, long-term health condition or who have experienced a life-changing event, such as cancer. 

The Serge Hill Project – Free twelve week programme of gardening and creative group activities in Bedmond for local adults living with and beyond cancer, who have had a cancer diagnosis in the last five years. 

Gardening Support Group for Women in Remission at Bowden Springs Farm – Gardening support group for women in remission or recovering from cancer. Connect with nature, share experiences with others and spend time outdoors in a supportive environment.

Torridge Growing Together – Community-led organisation that supports physical and mental wellbeing by connecting with nature. It runs activities such as gardening, conservation and upcycled crafts, helping people build friendships, confidence and new skills.

Martineau Gardens – Community garden in Edgbaston providing a therapeutic space to visit, including an orchard, nature trail and wildflower meadow. It also offers educational visits for local schools. Entry is free and the gardens are open to the public Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Type your postcode into the Cancer Care Map homepage to find services and projects happening near you. 

Here’s to Spring.