Health Benefits of Community Gardening

People throughout the world enjoy community gardening. The popular pastime can not only enhance home and community landscapes but also provide low-cost food sources. The level of physical activity required also offers a multitude of health benefits with studies having confirmed that engaging in gardening can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and increase psychological well-being.

Results show that 9 garden tasks that help out the most include; Digging and Raking (High Intensity) with Planting, Weeding, Mulching, Hoeing, Seeding, Harvesting and Watering (Medium Intensity).
 
Researchers have also shown that organic community gardeners have an additional benefit or having a reduced body mass index (BMI)!  Imagine not only reducing the cost of grocery shopping, but also reducing the size of your "bottom" line so to speak!

Recent data from one project involving a community garden, estimates that the average community garden plot can save an individual or family as much as $75.00 to $350.00 annually, dependent on vegetable grown.  While money may not be able to provide you with happiness, the taste and nutritional value of growing and eating your own produce certainly can and will.

Organic community gardens also provide a place for people who don't have a sufficient amount of land space to grow their own food, as well as meet like minded individuals and families to not only discuss local news, but also learn new skills and techniques to produce more food in smaller spaces.

To reserve or adopt a community garden plot in the city of Havre de Grace, please contact us at www.hdgreenteam.org or for other areas seek advice from the master gardeners who are part of you local agricultural extension.