How to get more dirt in your life: 7 tips

According to Greek myth, Prometheus and Athena made humans out of dirt. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the ancient Babylonians tell of how Anu formed man from clay. And in the Bible, God breathes life into a dirt sculpture to make Adam. It seems like anywhere you go, someone believed that humans and dirt had an intimate connection.

They were on to something. Soil connects us back to the Earth and exposes us to the variety of life that it supports. Plant, animal, and microbial residues are there in various states of decomposition, and there are more living things in one teaspoon of soil than there are humans on Earth.

Healthy soil is vital for the Earth’s biodiversity, and to store carbon that would otherwise pollute the atmosphere and heat up the climate. It provides us with food rich in nutrients, and as every kid knows, it’s just fun.

It’s good for us, too. As a natural quagmire of everything that was, exposure to soil jump-starts interactions between our bodies and the Earth itself. Research shows that exposure to soil and its diverse microbiome brings all sorts of benefits to our health. One soil-dwelling bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, shows promising anti-inflammatory properties against conditions including anxiety or asthma. Exposure to a diverse array of microbes from dirt may also help keep our gut microbiome healthy. We are healthier in our bodies and our minds with a little dirt.

Unfortunately, modern city dwellers tend to forget all this. Look at any metropolitan area today and it would be easy to conclude that its inhabitants are more separated from soil than any other people in history. We’ve lost much by separating ourselves from dirt to live among brick and concrete.

The challenge for modern city dwellers is finding ways to incorporate nature into their day-to-day lives. Here are seven different ways you can do that today.

7 ways to get more soil in your life

1. Adopt a plant

It’s not as if you need a special reason to bring plants into your home – they’re just nice to have. But it can also be the beginning of a long symbiotic relationship. If this relationship is well maintained, whatever plant you have will probably need repotting at some point, giving you an opportunity for mess. The soil also needs frequent moisture checks. This is your chance to play with dirt while giving your plant the nurturing it deserves. 

2. Repot cooking herbs

Equally effective, is to purchase potted fresh herbs rather than dried ones. Any culinary aficionado will tell you that dried herbs are not equal to their living counterpart.

Most store-bought herbs come in small pots that can’t sustain the herb very long, no matter how much sunlight it gets or how well you water it. By repotting your herbs into larger vessels when you acquire them, you extend their life – and you get a bit of exposure to their microbiome.

3. Grow food in your backyard

Do you have a garden, balcony, or well-lit empty corner by a window? Then you can step up from pothos and rosemary. Given the right tools and gear, it is remarkably easy to grow common produce such as tomatoes, squashes, peppers, potatoes, carrots, radishes, and many more at home, either directly in the soil or with the help of a raised bed. Even if you only have a small space available, there’s always something you can grow.

For more serious produce entrepreneurs, consider a garden greenhouse to have better control of the microclimate and allow for a wider variety of produce.

4. Head out into nature

City parks are great, but they can only do so much. Are there forests, nature parks, hiking trails, camping grounds or mountains in your area? These natural features present an opportunity to practice an active lifestyle while reconnecting with the Earth. Try trail hiking, biking or good old-fashioned camping.

Try to plan regular outings to enjoy the natural beauty of your area, all the while reaping the mental benefits of escaping the city. If it’s the relaxation aspect of nature you are after, look into naturally occurring thermal baths or outdoor spas that may offer mud baths.

5. Go food picking, or try foraging 

As fall begins, it’s hard not to be inspired by apple orchards and pumpkin patches. This is the ideal time to check if local farms in your area offer fresh produce picking, markets, or events. 

In the US, fresh produce is estimated to travel around 1,500 miles (2,400km) to get to supermarket shelves. Why not go straight to the source and replenish your pantry directly from farmers? The produce will be better than its store-bought counterpart, and you will avoid contributing to transportation pollution. 

Alternatively, try foraging in your area. Herbs, mushrooms, berries, and more! However, practice caution when doing this, and be sure to have some guidance before getting started. 

6. Get involved in a community garden

Although you need to leave your house for some of these activities, this doesn’t mean you have to leave your city to commune with nature. There are plenty of small-scale community gardens that require attending in your area. Volunteering to help at your local garden can also be rewarding. 

Garden therapy can also be helpful for anyone needing support with mental or emotional health. As an increasingly popular practice, it allows you to reconnect with yourself, others, and the Earth with the help of licenced professionals. 

7. Invent new ways to get your fingers dirty

There’s no need to attempt lifestyle adjustments all by yourself. There are plenty of ways to get your hands into some dirt with your friends and loved ones. Let your imagination roam! 

Are you a parent? Host a picnic in the park and save dessert for whoever can find the best pine cone. Are you artistic? Sign up with a friend for pottery or floral arrangement classes. Do you love gardening? Have a flowerbed-making weekend brunch with your friends. This could also promote a friendly habitat for our friends, the bees. The bottom line is there are no rules. Just have fun and allow yourself to get some dirt under your fingernails. It’s good for you!