While it would be somewhat dismissive to call barefoot gardening a ‘trend’ as such, in many ways, the concept does echo many trends. Barefoot gardening was a relatively little-known idea, but over time, its reputation has grown into an idea that, according to many bloggers, is a must-try for anyone who cares about their health and well-being.

Unfortunately, the subject of barefoot gardening is somewhat opaque, which can make it difficult to tell if shedding your shoes and heading out into your outdoor space is actually a beneficial idea. In an effort to provide some clarity, below, we’ve sought to dig deeper into the subject and make a recommendation once and for all.

What is barefoot gardening?

Exactly what it sounds like, essentially; the practice of gardening without shoes.

Why is barefoot gardening thought to be beneficial?

It’s important to apply a certain level of scepticism to some of these claims, but exponents of barefoot gardening claim that the practice provides the following benefits:

• A greater ‘connection’ to the earth, which results in enhanced mental well-being and reduced stress levels
• Helps to reduce burden on joints, potentially preventing conditions such as osteoarthritis
• Stronger foot muscles and tendons
• Greater exposure to bacteria that live in soil that are thought to help ease depressive symptoms
• Helps to improve balance…
• … and a number of other, similar health-related benefits

Why is there a need to be sceptical about these claims?

General prudence, essentially. Many of the claims related to barefoot gardening are not scientifically proven and, in some cases, are promoted by individuals or organisations with a financial interest - for example, people selling books about the benefits of barefoot gardening.

In addition, some of the claims are related to the benefits of walking barefoot, with no specific link to gardening.

So barefoot gardening isn’t something I should try?

Not quite. It is worth noting that some of the suggested benefits of spending time gardening barefoot - such as exposure to beneficial bacteria - do appear to have merit. Furthermore, people who engage in the practice report very positive results.

So, given the influencing factors regarding the possibility of barefoot gardening being beneficial, it’s still helpful to be somewhat sceptical. You also shouldn’t necessarily expect to experience all the purported benefits of barefoot gardening. However, there are some positives to consider too, so it’s worth keeping an open mind.

Should you try barefoot gardening?

Barefoot gardening is one of those ideas that is best approached with a “what’s the harm?” attitude; unless there’s a reason not to try it, you may as well give it a go.

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind if you do decide to try barefoot gardening:

• Always wear shoes when using tools such as rakes, spades, and hoes
• Only walk on soft garden surfaces, such as turf, when barefoot - if you have a gravel pathway or cobbles surrounding your vegetable patch, you’ll definitely want to be wearing shoes!
• Do not expect your health to miraculously improve as a result of barefoot gardening; any benefits you do experience are a bonus
• Keep your shoes close by, so you can put them back on if you feel uncomfortable at any point

In conclusion

Barefoot gardening is not necessarily the incredible cure-all that it is often suggested to be. However, there may be some benefits from giving it a try - provided you keep the cautionary notes, as mentioned above, in mind!