Benefits of Community Gardening

The Raised Beds are showing some green!

The Crewe Community Garden is one of many similar gardens in this country. Have you ever wondered where this idea came from? And exactly what are the benefits of such a garden? Well, there is evidence that such collective gardens existed in Mesopotamia, China and ancient Egypt. They provided food in times of scarcity. And much later, in Europe, during the Industrial Revolution, allotment gardens emerged as a way for factory workers to grow their own food. And then during the world war days, people grew Victory Gardens to provide food to alleviate pressures on the public food supply, help with the war effort and to boost morale. And finally today, there is a modern community garden movement inspired by concerns for food security, and lack of fresh food in underserved areas. And the growing trend to obtain more of our food locally to preserve the nutritional value of our food and help prevent spoilage caused by long transport. It helps to have knowledge of where our food comes from improving our outlook to provide for our families.

So what are the other benefits of a community garden like Crewe's? It is a mechanism to connect with your neighbors. In order for Crewe's garden to bloom into fruition, concerned members of this county got together to plan and execute the idea. We sought out more neighbors and businesses to support the idea with donations and physical labor. And we introduced it to the area and encouraged sponsors for each raised bed.

Another benefit is physical and mental health. Working outside to support your neighbors is good for your wellbeing, especially mental health. Since Covid, loneliness is an epidemic and encouraging participation helps with that. And the opportunity to learn new skills one can take to their own yards is another benefit.

So when you get a chance and are in the neighborhood, venture by the Crewe Library and take a look at the result of efforts by your neighbors. The raised bed marked "Library" is a tea garden featuring herbs and flowers that can be used for soothing teas, perfect while reading that favorite novel. More will be added, I still have seedlings maturing on the windowsill in my office at the library.

To find out more about community gardens, here is a link to several articles and videos on the subject.

https://www.community-gardening.org/what-is-a-community-garden/