The Research-Backed Benefits of Community Gardening, and How You Can Enjoy Them At Home

Oct 25, 2019nate

Benefits Rich

Community Gardens are one of the most benefit-rich forms of urban vegetation. In this blog we’re going to show you how many of these research-backed benefits are available through having your own garden at home too.

First the Findings

These days he spends most of his time bringing Urban Leaf products to life, but in a former life our very own Dr Rob was a researcher at Columbia University, and part of several groups that focused on urban sustainability.

In a study that was recently published in Ambio, Dr Rob and team found that from a list of 22 different types of urban vegetation, Community Gardens offer one of the longest and most compelling lists of benefits.

Community Gardens are often used to grow food, but the amenity they provide doesn’t stop there. Let’s look at some of the top research-backed benefits of Community Gardens, and how you can replicate these benefits in your very own home.

Science And Education

Having a small garden at home is a great way to engage and educate young minds. Here’s just a few of the lessons that a garden can offer:

Planning is Important. You can’t just dig a hole and throw some seeds in. You need to understand the seasons, and that things take time to grow.
Too much of a good thing can be harmful. Plants need sun, water and nutrients – but as critical as these are for life, too much of any of them can be harmful.
Living things need to be nurtured. Plants need attention and care. If they are neglected, they’ll likely die
All living things are on a cycle. Just like animals and people, plants exist on a cycle too
Pride in your work. Sharing your harvest with family or friends is an amazing feeling!

Spiritual and Cultural Benefits

A garden can also serve our higher needs. It can provide a harmonious space to relax, unwind, reflect and restore ourselves. It can serve as a place where we can appreciate the beauty, form and colours of Nature. It is a place for observation, where we can watch Nature and learn from it.

Ornamental Resources

Gardens and plants, whether in a Community Garden form or a small personal garden, can be incredibly beautiful – proving flowers, foliage and greenery that helps reconnect us back to nature.

Social Interaction

Community Gardens are a powerful way to bring people together in a collaborative manner around common goals. Although gardening at home is by its nature less social there are some easy ways to compensate for this. Why not start your garden at the same time as a friend – you may even find it particularly helpful having someone to check in on with to compare your progress. Or if you prefer why not join one of the many special-interest gardening groups that exist online in places like Facebook and Reddit.

Recreation

Gardening improves endurance and strength, reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation. It can also provide stimulation and interest in the outdoors. Just being in the garden can create a sense of well-being

Ready to give it a shot? Why not grab some seeds and a bag of dirt and give it a go. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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