Is there any better feeling than eating produce you’ve grown yourself? As MILLIE FULLER describes, if you don’t have your own space, community gardening is a great social alternative while building new skills and growing your own food, in your own neighbourhood.
Being surrounded by technology makes it easy to disconnect from the outside and our social groups.
Community gardening closes that gap and is a unique space for you and your neighbours to grow food.
It also encourages sustainability and is an opportunity to meet new faces.
What is a community garden?
It’s a local garden patch for people of all backgrounds to meet and grow produce.
It doesn’t matter what sort of gardening experience you have, you can share and gain new tips.
You’ll feel a sense of belonging in these types of environments, and might even form new friendships.
To find your closest community garden, do a quick online search for “community garden in” and your location.
You might also want to have a look on social media for any relevant local groups.
Websites like the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) can be useful directories.
Your local council might also be able to help, as many gardens are linked to them.
An education opportunity for children
Spend more time with the children in your life by getting them involved.
Community gardening will teach them how food is grown and where it comes from.
It’s hands-on too, so you can get them involved in planting without them getting bored.
Do something for the planet
Growing your own food is great for the planet.
With no need for transportation of produce, it’s lowering your carbon footprint.
Community gardens usually have rules against pesticides.
Make sure to compost any organic waste as this makes for much better soil quality.
You’ll also be saving money on your food shopping bill, and the quality usually outweighs that of store-bought alternatives.
Feel better outdoors
Getting together with your community to plant food offers a break from your day-to-day.
Being outdoors has also been known to reduce stress. It’s also great exercise that’s not too rigorous.
Summary
If you’re looking for a new hobby, consider community gardening.
It’s enriching and you might make new friends.
Take your grandchildren with you and spend more time with them.
You’ll teach them about food and its value, and even get them planting their own.
You’ll find yourself saving money on your shopping and lowering your carbon footprint by growing your own food.
