Horticultural Therapy: What the Research Shows

February 10, 2026

Horticultural therapy is gaining recognition as an evidence‑informed approach to supporting mental health and overall well‑being. Research suggests that structured plant‑based activities may help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while also improving mood, self‑esteem, and quality of life (Ha et al., 2022; Oh et al., 2024; Kamioka et al., 2020).

Research Database

Root in Nature™ Horticultural Therapy Research Database: A comprehensive, organized collection of research studies focused on the benefits and applications of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture. It’s useful for practitioners, educators, and program planners looking for evidence-based support for interventions.

What the Research Shows

The strongest overall evidence currently comes from a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials, which found that horticultural therapy had a significant positive effect on mental health compared with control groups (Ha et al., 2022). Because this review pooled multiple randomized trials, it provides a stronger level of evidence than a single study alone (Ha et al., 2022). A newer randomized controlled trial in people admitted to psychiatric wards found that six weeks of horticultural therapy significantly reduced anxiety scores, adding support from a real clinical setting (Oh et al., 2024).

Other studies suggest benefits for depression, stress, emotional regulation, and general well‑being, especially in older adults and people with mental illness (Song et al., 2023; Kamioka et al., 2020). In practical terms, this means horticultural therapy may be especially helpful for people experiencing anxiety, low mood, social isolation, trauma‑related stress, or recovery challenges (Song et al., 2023; Kamioka et al., 2020).

Mental Health Benefits

The mental health outcomes most often associated with horticultural therapy include reduced anxiety, reduced depressive symptoms, improved mood, and a greater sense of calm (Oh et al., 2024; Song et al., 2023; Kamioka et al., 2020). Some studies also report improvements in patience, focus, stress relief, and social connection (Kamioka et al., 2020). These effects may come from a combination of gentle physical activity, time in nature, purposeful routine, sensory engagement, and social interaction.

For mental health practice, this matters because horticultural therapy offers more than distraction. It gives participants a structured experience that can support emotional regulation, self‑awareness, and self‑efficacy (Kamioka et al., 2020). That makes it especially relevant in settings where people benefit from calm, meaningful, low‑pressure activities that still feel purposeful and engaging.

Physical Health and Aging Benefits

Although mental health is often the primary focus, the research also suggests physical benefits, especially for older adults. A systematic review and meta‑analysis found that horticultural therapy may improve physical function, quality of life, BMI, and positive mood (Zhang et al., 2022). More recent work points to small improvements in aerobic endurance, agility, self‑efficacy, and self‑esteem in older adults without dementia (Lee et al., 2024).

These findings make horticultural therapy a strong fit for a whole‑person care approach. The physical benefits are not yet as widely studied as the mental health effects, but they are important because they show that horticultural therapy may support mobility, light endurance activities, and general functioning as well as emotional wellness (Zhang et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2024).

How Strong Is the Evidence?

The included studies use a mix of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta‑analyses, which are among the stronger forms of evidence in health research (Ha et al., 2022; Oh et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2022). At the same time, the field still needs more high‑quality trials with consistent methods, larger sample sizes, and clearer reporting of outcomes (Ha et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2024).

This means the current evidence is encouraging but not definitive for every population. A strong research page—like this one—should reflect both the promise and the limits of the field. This helps visitors trust your content and shows that your practice is grounded in careful, honest interpretation of the research (Ha et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2024).

Horticultural therapy is a promising, research‑supported approach that can contribute to mental health, physical functioning, and quality of life. The strongest evidence currently supports benefits for anxiety, depression, mood, and general well‑being, with emerging evidence for physical function and healthy aging (Ha et al., 2022; Oh et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2022). As the research base continues to grow, horticultural therapy is increasingly being recognized as a valuable part of holistic, person‑centered care.