Horticulturists are professional gardeners with an academic degree who are trained in horticulture, gardening, and land management (other related degrees include landscape design and landscaping, which are often distributed by a university's horticulture department).

Intensive growing techniques include: Succession planting – Replanting in the same area to keep all parts of the garden in production; Intercropping – Planting fast and slow growing crops in the same row at the same time; Vertical planting – Growing crops on trellises or other supports to use space efficiently; and.

Nearly all forms of exercise can reduce stress including gardening. It's been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It's very gratifying to plant, tend, harvest and share your own food. Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health.

We feel better when we are surrounded by nature. Gardening is a mindfulness practice and eases stress levels. Harvesting your own produce from your garden provokes the release of dopamine.