10 Benefits of a Community Garden
As temperatures begin to rise and green grass grows tall, gardening is top of mind for many.
But if you don’t have access to a healthy plot of land, the thought of gardening can feel like only a dream.
That’s where community gardening comes in!
A community garden can be a great addition to a neighborhood. Here are 10 benefits, according to Wellpoint Care Network staff:
1) Provides a sense of community. Gives neighbors a safe place to gather and a peaceful place to work.
2) Access to land = access to healthy food.
3) Those who choose to plant feel personally invested in where they live, gaining a sense of ownership and community engagement.
4) Gardening helps relieve stress and increases wellness through movement and exercise. Gardening creates the opportunity to slow down and be one with nature.
5) Gardening teaches responsibility and patience. Teaching children the art of gardening can help them to develop both gross and fine motor skills.
6) Allows children access to fresh foods. They may think “they don’t like something,” but maybe they’ve just never tried it!
7) There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when that first vegetable is ready to be picked.
8) Nutrition is an important element of physical and mental health.
9) Relationships and friendships can blossom in amongst the rows of peas or carrots.
10) Food deserts are apparent in Milwaukee. A community garden helps subsidize the lack of access to fresh and nutritious foods in urban areas.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have never touched soil, there is a role for you to play in a community garden.
Due to construction, Wellpoint Care Network’s community garden will not open in 2024. But, we plan to open at full capacity in spring of 2025 with community plots and spaces.
In the meantime, below is a list of resources for finding a community garden near you!
