The Benefits of Community Gardens

Although community gardening has existed within rural settings for a long time it is a newer concept to urban areas. A community garden allows residents who live within the area to grow vegetables and herbs for both themselves and others who are also members of the garden. Until recent years community gardens were not possible within a city but the benefits of it have made it a very popular idea. In fact well over 10,000 cities across the US already have land that is dedicated to community gardening.

Healthy And Cost-Effective Activity

Gardening is an activity that can improve both the society around it and the individuals that garden in it. It first creates a base of both beginner gardeners and those who have more experience. This allows the experiences people to offer knowledge and assistance to those just starting out. Products that are grown at home are usually healthier than products found in a store. Homegrown products have less chemicals and pesticides in them. Not only that, but they are also cheaper making them more affordable. Gardening has also been said to be a stress reliever and therapeutic. It is used in many facilities that offer mental health assistance, drug and alcohol recover. A community garden helps neighborhoods by giving from neighbor to neighbor while also helping them to relax and unwind.

Social Activity

Gardening can also function as a social activity that will help draw in people from all areas of the city and all lifestyles or occupations. Gardening does not have a typical stereo type so people who are single, whole families, older and younger people will be able to participate. This is a wonderful way for people to get to know their community and to interact with their neighbors. By having park benches or garden benches within the garden you will promote conversation by giving everyone a reason to stay longer even after their work is done.

Who Pays For The Land?

The land for these gardens is often funded by a sponsor, such as a business or corporation, or it can be rented. Some community gardens will charge a very small fee to grow there which makes it accessible to everyone. Some gardens are also privately owned but share the land in order to help the community. If you live in a city there is a good chance your city already has a community garden available. Start by asking your neighbors or local business where it is located.

Join An Existing Garden Or Start My Own?

By getting involved in your community garden you will be able to give back to not only your community but also improve on your quality of life. While many communities already have gardens that you could easily join you can also start one yourself. The first step would be to find a location that is large enough for a garden. Then you need to get people together who are also interested to help find funding. Once funding has been found it is time to get planting. If community gardening is an activity that interest you then it does not matter if you start your own garden or join an existing one. Getting involved is a wonderful thing you can do for yourself and your community.

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Writer Curt Gutierrez is company owner of TerraBound Solutions, Inc. Visit http://www.terraboundsolutions.com

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