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The Benefits of Community Gardens
Gardening in itself is an advantageous exercise in nearly every aspect imaginable, including
mental, physical, emotional, and social.
I. Health Benefits
A. Physical
1. Facts and studies
2. Different aspects
a. nutrition
b. exercise
4. Body Mass Index difference between gardeners and non-gardeners
B. Mental
1. Facts and studies
2. Different aspects of mental health
a. depression
b. stress relief
II. Community Benefits
A. Social
B. Educational
III. Conclusion
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The Benefits of Community Gardens
The tangible facets of community gardening comprises of more than simply the aesthetic
enrichment of a community. Gardening in itself is an advantageous exercise in nearly every
aspect imaginable, including mental, physical, emotional, and social. Not to mention it also has a
constructive impact on communities as a whole, and can have positive effects on the surrounding
environment. Overall health has been noted as one of the most prominent benefits of gardening,
predominantly consisting of qualities concerning nutrition and diet, exercise, and soundness of
the mind and body.
A tremendous benefit of community gardening is the healthy impacts that it has on
individuals. “Gardens help support your health by providing you with great exercise, fresh air,
and the satisfaction of eating the season’s first tomato,” said Heide Martin. According to Emily
Main, gardening can, “improve physical health by strengthening muscles and improving
coordination, balance, endurance and even boosting immune function.” In analyzing a series of
intensive studies, scientists are finding that gardening has highly effective methods of
heightening health in people of all ages and conditions. From weight to illnesses and diseases,
there is a clear distinction between the health of gardeners and non-gardeners.
One of the benefits of gardening includes the potential for eating a healthy diet, through
consumption of fresh, local produce. In addition to health benefits, locally grown food has a
major advantage over store bought produce, which has traveled sometimes many hundreds of
miles just to make it to the dinner table. Over time, vegetables lose their nutrients. Supermarket
vegetables and fruits are no exception to the rule. Often times, they become leeched of their
initially healthy role in meals, and many people will agree that they aren’t even as tasteful as
their locally-grown counterparts. According to Martin, “the fruits and vegetables you raise in
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your own garden are often more nutritious than those you can buy at the supermarket.”
Community gardens provide produce that is fresh and plump with nutrients and flavor.
According to Anna Bentley, “in neighborhoods where processed foods are widely available and
affordable and fresh produce is less available, community gardens provide cheap way to add
healthful organic fruits and vegetables to mealtime in the home.”
Yet another advantage of these locally grown fruits and veggies is their assistance in
building up immunities to local allergens. Scientists have discovered that, “eating locally
produced food reduces asthma rates, because children are able to consume manageable amounts
of local pollen and develop immunities” (“The Multiple Benefits”).
As opposed to the typically chemical-ridden produce that can be purchased at a
supermarket, local produce offers a chance to set the dinner table with clean, safe veggies, free of
any noxious chemicals or fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides or other such materials
are harmful not only to humans, but the environment as well, which is why some would rather
choose to consume organic produce (Martin). Organic foods tend to be more expensive, and may
be out of the financial reach of some low-income families. However, local gardening provides a
cheap and rewarding way to produce pesticide-free foods, if grown organically.
Community gardening actually wards off the risk of diabetes. In fact, Main claims that,
“a number of studies have found that diabetes rates are lower in areas with community gardens,
or places where backyard gardening is more common.” Typical gardening activities include
bending over and standing back up, watering plants, lifting materials, digging, and pruning, all of
which are perfectly effective ways of getting a workout. All of that time of being active easily
adds up to meet the recommended time frame of at least 150 minutes of exercise per week
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(Main). This is recommended to people worried about getting diabetes because being healthy is
the first and most effective way to avoid it.
Similar to its role in reducing the risk of diabetes, the exercise and nutrition associated
with having and maintaining gardens can also be a huge factor in determining individuals’ risk of
osteoporosis. Much like the risk of diabetes, it can be minimized by a nutritious diet and
exercise. Gardening can lower the risk of osteoporosis because the work is somewhat akin to
weightlifting, meaning the use, exercise, and strengthening of bones and muscles to maintain an
overall body condition that is strong and a structure that is sturdy (Main). Further proof of the
impact of gardening on the onset of osteoporosis is a study that was done by the University of
Arkansas on a total of 3,310 older women. The study found that women who were, “involved in
yard work and other types of gardening exercises,” experienced lower rates of osteoporosis than
women who did aerobics, swam, or jogged (Main). This is in part because gardening is less
rigorous, and may not be as jarring to joints as intense, competitively driven sports.
Making the healthy choice to support locally grown produce is an extraordinary way to
educate children on the importance of eating right. Getting involved in a community garden also
teaches them about stewardship of the land, and leads children through the process of growing
fruits and vegetables, enabling them to cultivate a greater knowledge of natural occurrences and
resources. It may also act as a social builder, aiding children in social skills when they may have
to work with other people to produce a crop. This experience is an effective instrument to create
a more health-conscience generation, and will result in a continuation, if not growth, of
community gardens. Anne Harding asserts that, “studies of after-school gardening programs
suggest that the kids who garden are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables” (Harding). Being at
such a young age, it is imperative that children are properly adjusted to adopting a lifestyle that
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will benefit them in the future. Investing in this future by exposing them to the outdoors and
allowing them to grow their own food gives them a chance to feel both healthy and selfsufficient. Gardening gives them that sense of knowledge that some adults lack, as they had
never before been exposed to such an opportunity that is connected with nature. Additionally, the
article “The Multiple Benefits,” states that, “community gardens can serve as an outdoor
classroom where youth can learn valuable skills, like those involving practical math,
communication, responsibility, and cooperation” (The Multiple Benefits). Children who are
gardening have to deal with the sometimes frustrating and unpredictable implications involved in
working with crops outdoors. It is an excellent way for them to acquire patience and an
understanding that not everything will go just the way that they expect or want. There are so
many ways that gardening is already being used to delineate lifelong lessons to children. For
example, Bentley states that, “some organizations are beginning to use gardening as a tool to
teach children about where their food comes from and to promote nutrition and fight obesity”
(Bentley). Gardening is a highly suitable way to teach anyone a sense of responsibility. The
earlier people can experience that life lesson, the better off they will all be.
Community gardening is one of the best ways to combat the obesity rates that have
spiked in the United States. One of the best ways to attain both of these is through gardening.
One related study that was done in Salt Lake City, Utah, determined that, “both women and men
community gardeners had significantly lower BMIs (body mass index) than did their neighbors
who were not in the community gardening program,” according to researcher Cathleen Zick.
Zick also noted that “community gardeners also had lower odds of being overweight or obese
than did their otherwise similar neighbors” (Zick). In the studies, it was found that reductions
between gardeners and non-gardeners in regards to BMI were exactly 1.84 in women and 2.36 in
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men (Zick). That is a difference of approximately11 pounds for women and 16 pounds for men.
The study also discovered that the chance of being overweight as a woman gardener was 46
percent less than a non-gardener, and for males the percent chance was 62 percent less (Winter).
Community gardens promote health and consistently prove to have positive effects on users’
body mass indexes. As far as exercise goes, Main stated that, “active gardeners easily get more
than the recommended 150 minutes per week of exercise” (Main). Furthermore, Katherine
Brown, Executive Director of the Southside Community Land Trust said that, “people who are
growing food tend to eat healthy” (Harding). Both of these statements are more than speculation;
it has been proven through multiple studies done on the topic that people who are active
gardeners are typically more health-conscience than those who do not. Community gardens
across the nation are continuously proving that these statements hold true, and that community
gardeners have a lower rate of being obese or overweight than the general population.
Depression, stress, and dementia: all of these are easily alleviated with the proper
implementation of gardening into daily life. Furthermore, the condition of one’s mental health is
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entirely codependent with physical factors of health. Without both a sound mind and body,
people cannot truly obtain the highest standards of living. Any mental or emotional stress can be
just as much of a strain on the body as a physical hindrance, and can sometimes even be the
cause of it. According to Main, gardening may, “help reduce stress, lower blood pressure,
improve your mood, combat depression and lower the risk of developing dementia” (Main).
People from around the world suffer from depression, and gardening is the perfect
solution. In the eyes of Harding, “it’s hard not to enjoy life when you’re surrounded by flowers,
vegetables, and all the wildlife they attract” (Harding).However, there is so much more to this
theory than speculation. According to Harding, a study in Norway was done concerning people
who had been diagnosed with, “depression, persistent low mood, or bipolar II disorder”
(Harding). The subjects grew vegetables and flowers for six hours per week and showed a
“measurable improvement in their depression symptoms” (Harding). Even after the program
ended, subjects were still showing signs in behavior that contrasted positively with typical
negative or erratic moods.
Nature can be used to replenish stressed-out minds. Horticulture instructor and researcher
at the University of Illinois Andrea Taylor, PH.D. said, “we live in a society where we’re just
maxing ourselves out all the time in terms of paying attention” (Harding). Gardening relaxes the
body and offers a creative outlet for the mind to utilize as an, “effortless form of attention”
(Harding). In contrast to the turmoil of everyday life, gardening allows for a calm section of time
allotted for getting back in touch with nature and a side to the world that is not constantly
demanding your immediate attention. Magazine Editor Gillian Aldrich also emphasizes that;
“when you sit down at a desk all day, there’s something about literally putting your hands in the
dirt, digging and actually creating something that’s really beautiful” (Harding). Not being on a
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deadline for even a moment of time is something that is essential for the sake of sanity. This is
where an instrumental development, horticulture therapy, has come in. Horticulture therapy was
developed as a means of using activities such as gardening to promote a stable, healthy state of
mind. Exposure to plants and green areas has been proven to reduce stress and create a sense of
belonging. This form of therapy can very effectively be used in community gardens, and is a
valuable asset to any community.
Individuals are not the sole recipients of the benefits of community gardens. Society as a
whole is given a chance to grow the moment a gardening program is started in their community,
and members given the chance to create new bonds and ties amongst themselves. The
relationships that community gardens create are ones that share a common interest in the
investment of both a better world, and a better lifestyle. In the article, “The Multiple Benefits,”
the author claims, “community gardens offer a focal point for community organizing, and can
lead to community-based efforts to deal with other social concerns.” In other words, a
community garden can provide the inspiration necessary to begin further projects, whether they
are gardening involved or not. They evoke creativity and make a beautiful addition to any
community. Additionally, community gardens help to prevent crime by increasing a sense of
security and strengthening community relationships. Also noted in the article “The Multiple
Benefits,” community gardens “foster the development of a community identity and spirit,” and
“offer unique opportunities to establish relationships within and across physical and social
barriers” (The Multiple Benefits). In the words of Prudence Shonka, she believes that “there’s
something about gardening that I think brings out the best in everybody… Everybody is willing
to help you in your garden” (Bentley). The experience of being surrounded by fellow gardeners
all working for a common goal is heightened by the ability to collaborate with those people and
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communicate. Sharing ideas and tips on gardening is more effective done with people who are
local and familiar, and know the area and conditions better than anyone. Martin’s resounding
point is: “even though you can learn gardening from a book, or a website like this one, nothing
replaces talking to someone who has been there, done that.”
Community gardens benefit societies and people through a variety of ways. The gardens
serve as social centers in communities and have positive impacts on all who are involved, both
mentally and physically. Being that these gardens are such an instrumental addition to
communities, more people should consider the implementation of a gardening program in their
neighborhoods. The benefits of communal gardening are entirely worth the effort.
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Works Cited
Bentley, Anna. “Community Gardens Not Only Provide Good Nutrition, but Also the
Perfect Exercise.”Post-gazette.com. Pittsburgh Post-gazette, 19 Aug. 2013.
Harding, Anne. “Why Gardening Is Good for Your Health.” Health.com. Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc., 8 July 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2013.
Main, Emily. “Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening.”Guardian Media.Guardian
Media Limited. 21 May. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
Martin, Heide. “Understanding the Benefits.”Rebel Tomato. American Community
Gardening Association, 2007.Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
The Green Institute.“The Multiple Benefits of Community Gardening.”
GardenworksMN.org.The Green Institute, 18 Jan. 2006. Web. 17 Sept. 2013.
Winter, Allison. “Study Suggests Community Gardening May Produce Health Benefits.”
ENN.Environmental News Network, 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
Zick, CD. “Harvesting More than Vegetables: the Potential Weight Control Benefits of
Community Gardening.”Pub Med.gov. University of Utah, 18 Apr.2013. Web. 16 Sept.
2013.