Having a home garden may not be a possibility for people in the city, especially those residing in an apartment complex or condominium. This is one of the reasons community gardens are gaining popularity in urban communities where people have limited or no space to grow their own produce. A community garden provides a neighborhood with a common area where residents can share an urban gardening space.
Community gardens are typically run by churches, non-profit organizations, or neighborhood associations. As communities may have different needs in terms of designing their own growing domes, manufacturers of commercial greenhouse kits allow design customization. Here are some of the benefits of having a community garden in the neighborhood.
Healthy Lifestyle
People who live in urban areas often have limited access to fresh produce. Most of the time, people have to buy from a supermarket or eat fast food. Community gardens provide residents the opportunity to enjoy nutritious and affordable food which can help them develop healthier eating habits.
Not only can residents buy produce from a community garden, they can also grow their own fruits, vegetables or flowers by renting a plot. As residents are able to do their own gardening, they get to experience the outdoors and adopt a more active lifestyle.
Green Environment
Community gardens provide a healthy retreat away from the noise and pollution of the city. Residents can find a quieter, more relaxing space while tending to their crops. This may help in reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Community gardens also improve air quality by releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere and reducing air pollutants. Exposure to cleaner air helps reduce health risks, especially to people with respiratory problems like asthma.
Stronger Sense of Community
Community gardens foster social interaction among neighbors, allowing them to form new friendships or build stronger relationships. Since residents are able to connect with other people in their community, they gain a sense of ownership and belongingness.
Community gardens also help create safer neighborhoods by reducing crime rate. Many studies support that living in greener spaces improve well-being. It helps reduce mental fatigue that is associated with trigger aggression and violence.
Increased Property Value
Many cities are dotted with vacant lots, which are usually magnets for garbage or criminal activity. These spaces are the ideal spots to put up community gardens and transform them from urban eyesores into greener, more vibrant spaces. Having a community garden will not only beautify the vacant space, but it will also make the surrounding properties look more attractive.
Educational Opportunities
Community gardens are an educational hub for urban gardeners to share their knowledge to the residents, young and old. People can learn more about gardening, nutrition, cooking, and nature. Community garden also allow residents to get to know other people from diverse backgrounds and exchange information about different traditions, cultures, and races.
As discussed above, community gardens provide more benefits beyond being a healthy food source. They also help improve overall health, strengthen ties with the community, and make the neighborhood a cleaner and safer place to live in.
