While all these gardens serve as catalysts for bringing people together and improving community, some of them focus on growing food for the gardeners themselves. Community gardens can be found at such diverse locations as schools, parks, housing projects, places of worship, vacant lots, and private properties. Each is developed to meet the needs of the participants who come together on common ground to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and ornamental plants. Types of Community Gardens Skip to Types of Community GardensĬommunity gardens are as varied as the neighborhoods in which they thrive. Participating in a community garden improves the health of the gardener, as well as his or her family, the community, and the environment. Property owners may generate income by renting garden plots. Others benefit by reducing the amount they spend on produce. Some gardeners sell the produce they grow. Life Skills: In addition to a wealth of basic horticulture information, gardeners learn important life skills such as planning, organization, and teamwork.įinance: Community gardens may have financial benefits for both the gardener and the landowner. Lessons learned in the community garden about water conservation, water quality preservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable land use may be taken back to homes, businesses, and schools and implemented, improving environmental health. Nature: For many urban dwellers surrounded by high-rise buildings and concrete, a community garden may provide the only contact with plants, birds, butterflies, and nature. In addition, gardeners increase their physical activity and overall health (Wakefield, Yeudall, Reynolds, and Skinner, 2007). Health: Community gardens provide a place to grow healthy, nutritious food resulting in both gardeners and their families eating a wider variety, larger quantity (Alaimo, Packnett, Miles, and Kruger, 2008), and higher quality of fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition to providing fresh fruits and vegetables, a garden can also be a tool for promoting physical and emotional health, connecting with nature, teaching life skills, and promoting financial security. Benefits of Community Gardens Skip to Benefits of Community Gardens
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