What is a Community Garden?
A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people. Community gardens utilize either individual or shared plots on private or public land while producing fruit, vegetables, and/or ornamental plants. In cities throughout the country, community gardens are turning unused spaces into beautiful, productive plots and giving others the chance to enjoy the pleasures of gardening.
What are some benefits of community gardens?
- Exposure to the earth reduces stress and increases a sense of wellness and belonging
- Eating locally grown produce has been shown to reduce asthma rates because children are able to consume safe amounts of local pollen and develop immunity to allergens
- Educating citizens about the importance of clean, healthy food
- Supports child development and helps prevent chronic disease and obesity
- Teaching sustainable practices can be applied to a wide variety of life situations and create an innate respect for the environment
- Provides opportunities for inter-generational and cross-cultural connections within communities
- Involving younger generations in the community garden movement can provide them with the skills to build sustainable communities for years to come
- Studies have shown community gardeners and their children generally eat healthier than their non-gardening counterparts