“It’s the invention of clothes, not nature, that made “private parts” private.”
This divisive quote by Mokokoma Mokhonoana sets the tone for World Naked Gardening Day, the one day a year when you can let your privates go public. In the garden, of course.
This celebration of freedom from fabric invites gardeners from all around the world to strip and get down and dirty.
And it might just be one of the most eccentric unofficial holidays in the US.
Are you ready to bare it all for your blooms this Saturday?
Let’s talk about the what and the why behind World Naked Gardening Day.
What Is World Naked Gardening Day?
World Naked Gardening Day is the one day of the year when gardeners take off their clothes and tend to their gardens in their birthday suits. It’s an annual event that takes place on the first Saturday of May.
In 2024, we’re celebrating it on May 4th.
In any case, it’s not just an excuse to let the breeze tickle your tulips (though this is certainly a perk). It’s a global celebration of all things green and growing. On WNGD, gardeners strip down and embrace the earth with nothing but a trowel and a smile.
The History of World Naked Gardening Day
We’ve talked about Mark Storey and Jacob Gabriel, the editor and permaculturist duo who created World Naked Gardening Day in our other blog. But now, we’ll go a little deeper to truly bear it all.
While the first annual nude gardening day took place on September 10, 2005, this event had a storied history well before that. Judging by how we talk about it, you’d think WNGD is a day as old as time itself. And you’d be right. In a sense.
Digging into the history of WNGD is like digging into the soil itself - virtually neverending and full of surprises.
The precedents of this eccentric but totally human behavior sit within the very first chapter of the Holy Bible. In the beginning (well, after the creation of the universe and all that), God made a beautiful garden and placed 2 naked people in there - Adam and Eve.
Adam and Eve weren’t ashamed of their naked bodies right off the bat. They walked around just like every other animal in the garden. But following the encounter with the serpent, the couple realized their nakedness and felt shame for the first time.
They sought to cover themselves and so inadvertently invented the tradition of clothing as a symbol of modesty and societal norms.
Their assumed leafy loincloths may have marked the dawn of modesty, but they also spoke to a deeper truth - our desire to connect with nature in its (and our) purest form. This urge strongly resonates with the modern naturist movement and the essence of World Naked Gardening Day.
3 Reasons Why You Should Garden In the Nude
Storey and Gabriel didn’t invent a national nude gardening day to serve as just a quirky pastime. They knew it was a liberating experience that connects you with nature in a whole new way.
And it’s no surprise many can’t get enough of it after shedding their inhibitions and trying it once. Who would with the sun kissing your skin and the dirt under your feet grounding you?
But beyond the sheer joy of it, there are some compelling and scientifically-backed reasons why gardening nude might be the best decision you’ve ever made:
The Sunshine
Being out in the sun is good for the body. Numerous scientific studies have delineated the benefits of regular sun exposure on a person’s physical and mental health. There’s growing evidence suggesting that sunlight contributes to the prevention of various cancers and other diseases.
Getting some sun on your buns helps your body produce vitamin D, an essential for bone health and well-being. Since you’re frolicking around in your birthday suit, you can take advantage of this tenfold because you get the sun on every part of the body, even where it normally doesn’t shine.
And as a bonus, the sun’s rays can boost your mood and energy levels, making you feel more alive and ready to tackle your gardening tasks.
The Mindfulness
The mounting evidence supporting the notion that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety is not surprising. New research suggests that people who engage in therapeutic gardening programs show improvements in mental and psychological well-being, even after being in distress.
Physical activity, fresh air, and connection to the earth can work wonders for your mental health. It encourages you to be more present and mindful. Gardening in the nude also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of your garden.
But make sure to extend that mindfulness to the critters in your garden and stay out of their way. Who knows, they might be enjoying the view just as much as you are and may want a piece of the action.
The Creativity
Gardening nude (or just regular, clothed gardening) can impact your creativity. The relaxed and uninhibited state that comes with being naked can open up your mind and stimulate creative thinking. Since nature has always been a ceaseless source of creative inspiration, a nude gardening day can be the segue to your next great idea.
Gardening is a forgiving activity. If you make mistakes, you can come up with many different ways to rectify them. This is where your creativity comes into play.
This concept also aligns with theories about the benefits of exposing oneself to new experiences to stimulate creativity.
Best Places for Gardening in the Nude in the US
Not all places are equal when you want to garden nude. Some offer the perfect blend of sunshine, openmindedness, and accepting neighbors. Others - not so much.
According to a study by LawnStarter in 2023, some cities allow you to legally tend to your bushes just as the universe intended. So, here’s where you can dip your naked toes into nude gardening without breaking a few laws or getting threatening looks:
- Miami, FL: The Sunshine State and the city we like to call home seem to be very nudist-friendly and keen on accepting naked gardeners. Miami’s tropical climate creates the ideal setting to get more skintimate with your plants.
- Austin, TX: “Keep Austin weird” seems right on brand for what Texans in this city like. According to the study, Austin is a prime spot for nude gardening because of its love for all things natural and the fertile soil that blesses Texas.
- Atlanta, GA: Atlanta may just be home to some of the juiciest peaches in the South, but it’s also a hotspot for naked gardeners. With plenty of opportunities to strip down and soak up the sun, Atlanta lets you get dirty in the best way possible.
Finishing Thoughts
The world is your garden.
And sometimes, the best way to tend to it is in the nude.
This World Naked Gardening Day, take charge of the freedom from gardening in the nude. Feel the earth between your toes, the sun on your skin, and the breeze on your… well, let’s just leave it there.
Regardless if you’re planting seeds or pruning bushes this Saturday, give your partner something to gawk at by showing off your green thumb. And maybe a little more, too.