At Urban Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to garden-based education, I hear one phrase over and over, spoken in countless variations:

“I can’t keep anything alive… I have a black thumb.”

But if there’s one truth we can plant firmly in the soil during National Gardening Month, it’s this: You can grow. No one is born with a black thumb, only hands that haven’t yet been given the right guidance.

We’ve seen it firsthand across all ages. From toddlers in our Little Gardeners workshops to adults reclaiming their independence through gardening at Hope Springs, a tiny home village for those transitioning out of houselessness, growth happens in more ways than one. Whether it’s campers on our teaching farm or community members gathering for our Dead Plant Society workshops, time and again, we’ve witnessed that gardening isn’t about innate talent, it’s about discovery.

This April, consider letting that discovery take root in your own life. Gardening is more than tending to plants, it’s a path toward physical vitality, mental clarity, and even financial savings. And in northern Nevada’s sometimes unpredictable climate, small, mindful efforts can yield surprisingly abundant rewards.

A Workout Without the Gym

Gardening moves the body as much as it moves the spirit. The simple acts of bending, stretching, and lifting strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and keep joints limber. Just 10 minutes a day in the garden can be a gentle way to build endurance. Work up to 30 minutes, and the benefits multiply: it can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. And unlike the hum of a treadmill, gardening offers something more: the rustle of leaves, the scent of soil, the satisfaction of seeing life take shape beneath your hands.

Mental Wellness, One Sprout at a Time

There’s something profoundly grounding about working with soil. Whether it’s the patience of waiting for a seed to sprout or the simple joy of nurturing something to life, gardening has been shown to ease stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate mindfulness.

And while plants won’t talk back, they offer a quiet companionship. Many gardeners feel a deep connection to what they grow, an unspoken relationship built on care and consistency. In fact, studies suggest plants respond positively to sound, so go ahead and sing your favorite song or read aloud to them. You may be surprised by what flourishes in the presence of a little kindness.

Fresh Produce, Fresh Savings

A garden doesn’t just nourish the soul, it nourishes the table. Growing your own food is a simple yet powerful way to reduce grocery costs and add fresh, flavorful ingredients to your meals. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary thrive in small spaces, while hardy crops like Swiss chard and root vegetables can withstand northern Nevada’s fluctuating climate.

April is the perfect time to plant with intention. Consider what you love to eat and start there. Even a single windowsill herb can turn an everyday meal into something homegrown and extraordinary.

No Green Thumb Required

At Urban Roots, we believe gardening is a journey, not a test. There are no failures, only lessons learned in the soil. Each season offers a new chance to experiment, adapt, and grow.

So this National Gardening Month, why not take root in something new? Even if a plant doesn’t thrive, the experience itself is worth the effort. You may just find that the best thing you grow isn’t a plant at all—it’s a deeper sense of well-being, connection, and joy.

Kelsey Hoffman is the community programs director at Urban Roots, a nonprofit working to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education. Learn more at www.urbanrootsnv.org.