Go Green with the Benefits of a Community Garden

Today in our society living green and eating organic vegetables is promoted in both print and television. We are often reminded of the benefits that organic vegetables can bring, as well as how easy it would be to grow herbs, potatoes or tomatoes right in your own back yard. Most of us, however, have no gardening skills, but we can easily be taught.

An easy way to learn more about gardening, as well as enjoy eating fresh vegetables is though a community garden. But what do you do when you live in an apartment or condo and have no back yard for a garden? Securing a gardening plot in your back yard would be difficult if you live in an apartment or a condominium complex, as you obviously would not have a back yard. However, complex management may designate an area for a community garden where all residents can pitch in.

A community garden in your residential complex can grow vegetables, herbs or even flowers. A flower garden can beautify the residential area, as well as be educational to all the children living there. Adults can hold weekend gatherings in the flower garden where plant species, blooming seasons and specific plant care can be discussed. Consider it a free biology lesson for children, as well as a chance to socialize with residents.

Socialization with community residents is very beneficial, especially considering how many of us have neighbors but never actually communicate with them. Through gardening and plant care, neighbors can get to know each other as well as grow produce.

An important benefit of a community garden would of course be all the produce grown by the residents. By pitching in, everyone can grow delicious and nutritious foods. Organic vegetables in grocery stores can be expensive, but it can be inexpensive if grown in a community garden as you eliminate cost by doing all the labor. As a family, you would no longer need to guess if your vegetables grew in a glass box or if they were sprayed with chemicals. Everything would be grown by your hands, and enjoyed by everyone in the community.

As a family, everyone can spend quality time doing an outdoor activity. A community garden can grow a sense of community and belonging, as well as provide all residents with a healthy physical activity. Cooking produce can be fun as well, as residents can trade recipes. You can even plan a community potluck, where all residents bring a dish that includes produce from your community garden.