The Benefits of Community Gardening

There has been a vast amount of research about the benefits of community gardens. Here are just a sample which all contain references to more scholarly papers:

The Community Garden as a Tool for Community Empowerment

Community Gardening Motivation and Health Benefits.

Dissertation – Gardening for Peace

Health_Benefits_Of_Community_Gardens

Chillies & Roses – Research from the FCFCG about Ethnic Involvement in Community Gardens

The difference community gardens have made

The following articles were written by Dee Sewell in regard to community gardens she’s worked with in Carlow and Kilkenny.

How horticulture can positively influence a neighbourood – Ballybeg Greens

How community gardens can help your school or college

Encouraging teenagers to find their place in a community through horticulture

From seed to market stall, a group of community gardeners sow, grow and sell their produce

Three community gardens that are doing their best in Derry, Norther Ireland to heal

Further information and reading

As we become aware of more research that share the benefits of community gardens, we will where possible, link them on Pinterest.

Hear it from the people

Lily de Sylva made this video for us which includes excerpts from the people involved with community gardens and the differences it’s made to them.

Why Build a Community Garden?

But don’t just listen to us, here’s ten reasons to get involved that a group of Kilkenny community gardeners found when they were asked what benefits they had gained from working together in their community garden during their first year together.

1.  They learnt new skills and how growing, harvesting and eating their own food is good for both mental and physical health.

2.  They learnt about the seasonality of food and picked up recipe ideas and new cooking techniques.

3.  They tried out different foods and flavours that were once popular but may not be available in supermarkets.

4.  They’re encouraged to grow their own food at home in tandem with the community food project.

5.  They learnt how successes and failures of growing food are ‘normal’.

6. They have a better appreciation of how difficult it can be to grow food without using chemicals and why organic food is generally more expensive at markets and in shops.

7.  They’re more likely to shop locally, searching out better quality foods and flavours.

8. Participants have a better appreciation of their community.

9. Community gardens are available to people on a tight budget.

10. Participants have learnt a basic life skill – they will know that whatever happens, they will be able to provide food for themselves and their families.