Who hasn't heard that the best way to participate in the mysteries of the universe is to garden?

Gardening is an excellent way for seniors, and not just seniors, to keep fit. In fact, gardening is good for your physical health and your morale. The health benefits of gardening are considerable. It helps keep your muscles in shape, it lets you spend time outdoors, and it could also be a joint activity for the couple. In short, it's all positive. Shall we get started?

With the return of fine weather, plants start to grow after their winter slumber. It's time to get dressed and head for the garden.

What can you do in early May?

Outside, you can think about planting some fruit bushes such as raspberries and redcurrants, as well as strawberry plants. The rhubarb plant should also pick up as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear.

On the other hand, tomato plants, melons, carrot seedlings, spinach and aubergines should be protected under cover.

Roses, forsythia, hibiscus and other flowering plants should also be pruned as soon as possible to encourage them to flower.

Don't forget to scarify and fertilise the lawn, and plant begonias and gladioli. They'll bring you beautiful colours in the summer months.

What about houseplants? We highly recommend repotting them. Remember to give them extra nutrients in the form of fertiliser. You'll find professionals who can advise you in our Senior.life ► Home ► Gardening category.

From 15 May, the date of the last Ice Saints, sounds the start of transplanting seedlings into the ground. On 11 May: St Mamert, on 12: St Pancrace and on 13: St Servais.

Don't forget that gardening is not an activity that has to be done in a hurry. Above all, it's a time to relax. Do it at your own pace, so you can make the most of a breath of fresh air and the first warm rays of spring sunshine.

A final word of advice: gardening is a physical activity. Remember to warm up properly - yes, yes, it's serious! Do a few stretches to avoid aches, lumbago and other knee problems. Keep your posture correct and your back straight when lifting heavy loads. Your children or grandchildren can always come and help you with the heaviest or most dangerous tasks, such as trimming hedges and removing heavy rubbish.

Following these basic rules will help you make the most of this healthy activity. Finally, a number of scientific studies have shown that gardening is beneficial for maintaining muscle mass, reducing the risk of cardio-vascular accidents and osteoporosis.

In conclusion, gardening is not only beneficial for beautifying your green spaces but also for keeping you physically and mentally fit.

So let's get gardening!