While there is a lot of satisfaction in growing fresh, healthy food for oneself and others, there is something else that makes gardeners a happy lot. Soils contain a species of bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. Well, research at Bristol University in England has found that this bacteria boosts serotonin levels, making people (or pigs, or mice) happier. This is yet another reason to get out in the dirt and grow. And it’s another reason to do everything to improve soil life by avoiding tilling, biocides and synthetic fertilisers.

quote from Digital Journal Aug. 2009