Urban Farm Hub

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By Maria Cannon

Gardening used to be a way of life. Even if they weren’t farmers by trade, most people had to grow their own food in order to ensure they had enough to eat throughout the year. Children learned to till, sow, harvest, and preserve as soon as they were old enough because, in many cases, their family’s life truly depended on how well the garden grew.

In the past few decades, food has become less expensive and easier to access. We certainly don’t have to grow our own food anymore, with grocery stores and fast food restaurants on every corner. We enjoy a bigger variety of food than ever, and most of it is available year-round. On top of that, urban areas are expanding, houses are getting closer together, and a lot of people don’t have land for a traditional garden. As a result, tending a garden has fallen out of fashion. 

But like the old adage says, “What is old will become new again,” and the home garden is making a comeback. Farmer’s markets are popping up in every town, and people are finding ways to grow their own fruits, veggies, and herbs instead of buying them at the local superstore. Why? As it turns out, gardening offers many amazing benefits, only one of which is healthy, delicious food.  

First, gardening is earth friendly. If you’re looking for a way to “go green,” growing your own food is a great place to start. Food you buy at the store requires more resources to grow and transport than food you grow at home. When you garden with sustainability in mind, you can reduce your water usage, fuel consumption, and overall carbon footprint since plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Moreover, a garden is the perfect place to use food scraps as compost and recycled rainwater for irrigation. Gardens also naturally attract beneficial insects like honeybees. 

Gardening builds community. Back in the day, fresh food from the garden was a valuable commodity. Everyone knew who in town grew the best tomatoes, okra, green beans, and cucumbers, and you could sell, barter, or trade your food for just about anything you needed. In the south, it’s still not uncommon for a friend, family member, or neighbor to stop by and drop off a bag of summer squash the size of footballs or more sweet, red tomatoes than you can count. While social interaction may be a simple side effect of gardening, it’s one of the pastime’s most important benefits. In rural and urban areas alike, groups are even coming together to plant and maintain community gardens in order to combat hunger and improve access to fresh, healthy food.  

On top of all that, gardening is good for you. All the digging and squatting and walking around the garden gets your heart rate up, improves dexterity in your hands, and gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Because it’s physically demanding, gardening counts towards your weekly activity goals. Some studies have indicated people who garden have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke and a stronger immune response. Of course, having a variety of fresh, healthy food at your fingertips isn’t bad either. Eating food free of preservatives, pesticides, and artificial additives is known to promote good health. 

Last but definitely not least, gardening is fun. We all know hobbies are good for your mental health, and gardening is one of the most popular ways to enjoy your free time. In addition to being just plain enjoyable, all that time in the garden leads to lower levels of stress hormones, improved mood, and a sense of satisfaction. In short, gardening makes you happy, and it may even help ward off depression and lower your risk of dementia later in life. 

While growing your own food is no longer a necessity, the benefits of gardening are still numerous, and a new generation of gardeners is emerging to take advantage of them.