Why Garden?
The American
Community Gardening Association: What Good is Community Greening?
This well-researched report will answer all your questions.
What are the
Benefits of Community Gardening?
This site, from Ohio State University Extension's Urban Gardening Program, includes
a survey of community gardeners.
The two obvious benefits of community gardens are the beautification of a barren space, and a strengthened sense of community. But the impact of a community garden can reach much further, touching on areas of:
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Urban Revitalization
- Reducing Hunger
- Environmental Concerns
- Generating Money for Low-income Neighborhoods
- Cultural Understanding
- Crime Reduction
- Education & Development of Youth (School Gardens)
While an in-depth review of these topics is beyond the scope of this guide, many webpages exist about each of them. Go to City Farmer's Agriculture Notes or Sustainable Agriculture Network for information about sustainable agriculture.