Discover the Benefits of Getting Your Hands Dirty
Urban gardening isn’t just about planting seeds and watching them grow—it's about connecting with nature, building community, and improving your well-being. For international students, especially, it can be a powerful way to integrate into a new city and culture while relieving the stress of academic life.
Why Gardening as an International Student?
Studying in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging. You’re adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment while juggling the pressures of academic success. But did you know that taking a break from the books and spending time in nature can help improve your mental and physical health? Urban gardening offers a unique opportunity to not only unwind but also to feel more connected to your city and the people around you. By participating in a community garden, you're not just nurturing plants—you’re nurturing yourself and your sense of belonging.
How Does Gardening Improve Well-Being?
- Stress Relief: Digging into the soil and caring for plants provides a natural form of stress relief. Studies show that time spent in green spaces helps reduce anxiety, boosts mood, and promotes relaxation.
- Mental Clarity: Urban gardening allows you to take a break from screens and academic pressure. The simple act of working with your hands can improve focus and mental clarity, helping you return to your studies refreshed.
- Physical Exercise: Gardening gets you moving. Whether you're pulling weeds, planting seeds, or watering the plants, these small activities help keep your body active, which is great for overall health.
- Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors is known to improve well-being by grounding you in your environment. In a bustling urban setting, a quiet garden space can become your peaceful retreat.
Social Integration through Gardening
Moving to a new city can sometimes feel overwhelming, but connecting with others through shared activities is a great way to feel at home. Urban gardening provides international students with opportunities to:
- Build Friendships: Community gardens are social spaces where you can meet like-minded individuals who share an interest in sustainability and nature. Working together with others on a common goal is a natural way to start conversations and build meaningful relationships.
- Cultural Exchange: Gardening offers a unique space for cultural exchange. As you plant and grow, you'll meet people from different backgrounds, share experiences, and maybe even learn about plants or gardening techniques from other countries!
- Contribute to Your New City: By participating in a local garden, you’re not just benefiting personally—you’re giving back to the community. Watching the plants you’ve cared for bloom in a public space creates a tangible sense of belonging to the city you now call home.
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Language Practice: Engaging in gardening activities provides a relaxed and informal setting to practice the local language with others. You can learn everyday vocabulary in a fun, pressure-free environment while also teaching others about plants from your own culture.
Where Can You Start?
Urban gardens exist all over the city, and many welcome volunteers or new participants. Here’s how you can get involved:
The volunteer association Lebensmittel teilen e.V. runs a public garden to grow herbs, veggies and fruits. This is a great place to start if you're looking for something central in the city and the group is already familiar with academic life. Have a look at their gardens Hammer-Garten or Paradieschen.
Whether you're new to gardening or already have a green thumb, the Lebensmittel teilen e.V. welcomes all international students interested in urban gardening. Sign up to receive information about local garden events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities near you. Get started today and make a lasting impact on your well-being and your new home!
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As many German cities Siegen also has various public gardens where residents and students can participate. They are often referred to as "Kleingartenanlagen" and are usually organized as a voluntary association that you can join. Because they are open to everyone, it’s a great way to meet new people and give something back to the local area.
You´re living close to the Giersberg. Have a look at the Kleingarten unterm Sender e.V.
If you have access to a balcony, rooftop, or shared outdoor space, why not start your own small garden? You can grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers and invite friends or neighbors to join you in cultivating your space.
Many organizations offer workshops to teach you the basics of urban gardening. These workshops are often attended by locals and international students alike, providing a perfect opportunity for networking and learning.