Sustaining the Merry Space farmer with pick-and-eat crop production

Astronauts on long-duration space missions may benefit nutritionally and psychologically from growing and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardening and exposure to nature can improve mood, reduce stress, provide meaningful and enjoyable tasks, and provide sensory stimulation. We investigated the behavioral health benefits of farming in space. Twenty-seven long-duration astronauts on the International Space Station engaged in crop growth experiments and answered surveys about their experiences, reactions to farming, and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout their missions. Findings indicate generally positive responses such that astronauts found the crop growth tasks enjoyable, engaging, meaningful, and stimulating. Ratings of behavioral health outcomes were consistent over time, while perceived sensory stimulation enjoyment increased over time. Positive effects were stronger when astronauts engaged in the most enjoyable tasks (i.e., consuming and voluntary viewing of plants). We discuss the implications of farming in space as a resilience countermeasure in austere environments.