Dirt therapy: could campus gardening ease student stress and build friendships?

NCT ID NCT07753109

First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial explores whether a month-long campus gardening program can reduce stress, improve peer interaction, and increase nature engagement among university students. About 100 students aged 18–25 will take part, with half joining the gardening activities and the other half continuing their usual routine. Participants will plant seedlings, care for plants, and work together in the garden twice a week. Researchers will measure changes in stress coping, peer relations, and connection to nature before and after the program.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
A structured campus-based gardening program involving soil preparation, paired seedling planting, group plant care, irrigation, and landscaping activities.
What this could lead to
If effective, this could point toward simple, low-cost wellness programs that help students manage stress and build social connections.
What could go wrong
This is a small, short-term study, so results may not apply broadly. Weather, dropouts, or seasonal issues could affect the program, and any benefits might not last beyond the month.

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