Gardening

When does no-till yield more? A global meta-analysis

Cameron M. Pittelkow, Bruce A. Linquist, Mark Lundy +7 more · Field Crops Research · 2015 · 855 citations

No-till agriculture represents a relatively widely adopted management system that aims to reduce soil erosion, decrease input costs, and sustain long-term crop productivity. However, its impacts on crop yields are variable, and an improved understanding of the factors limiting productivity is needed to support evidence-based management decisions. We conducted a global meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of various crop and environmental variables on no-till relative to conventional tillage yields using data obtained from peer-reviewed publications (678 studies with 6005 paired observations, representing 50 crops and 63 countries). Side-by-side yield comparisons were restricted to studies comparing conventional tillage to no-till practices in the absence of other cropping system modifications. Crop category was the most important factor influencing the overall yield response to no-till followed by aridity index, residue management, no-till duration, and N rate. No-till yields matched conventional tillage yields for oilseed, cotton, and legume crop categories. Among cereals, the negative impacts of no-till were smallest for wheat (-2.6%) and largest for rice (-7.5%) and maize (-7.6%). No-till performed best under rainfed conditions in dry climates, with yields often being equal to or higher than conventional tillage practices. Yields in the first 1-2 years following no-till implementation declined for all crops except oilseeds and cotton, but matched conventional tillage yields after 3-10 years except for maize and wheat in humid climates. Overall, no-till yields were reduced by 12% without N fertilizer addition and 4% with inorganic N addition. Our study highlights factors contributing to and/or decreasing no-till yield gaps and suggests that improved targeting and adaptation, possibly including additional system modifications, are necessary to optimize no-till performance and contribute to food production goals. In addition, our results provide a basis for conducting trade-off analyses to support the development of no-till crop management and international development strategies based on available scientific evidence.

Global meta-analysis of the relationship between soil organic matter and crop yields

Emily E. Oldfield, Mark A. Bradford, Stephen A. Wood · SOIL · 2019 · 702 citations

This global meta-analysis found that increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) generally leads to higher maize and wheat yields, with the greatest benefits occurring when SOC is below 2%, suggesting that improving soil health can boost productivity and potentially reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, especially for soils currently poor in organic matter.

Shallow non-inversion tillage in organic farming maintains crop yields and increases soil C stocks: a meta-analysis

Julia Cooper, Marcin Barański, Gavin Stewart +26 more · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · 2016 · 271 citations

For organic farmers, switching from deep plowing to shallow non-inversion tillage can maintain crop yields while significantly increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil, offering a practical way to improve soil health and sustainability without sacrificing harvest.

School-based gardening, cooking and nutrition intervention increased vegetable intake but did not reduce BMI: Texas sprouts - a cluster randomized controlled trial

Jaimie N. Davis, Adriana Pérez, Fiona M. Asigbee +11 more · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2021 · 146 citations

A one-year school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking program in 16 low-income, predominantly Hispanic elementary schools increased children's vegetable intake by about half a serving per day but had no detectable effect on BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, or blood pressure.

What Is the Evidence to Support the Use of Therapeutic Gardens for the Elderly?

Mark B. Detweiler, Taral R. Sharma, Jonna G. Detweiler +6 more · Psychiatry Investigation · 2012 · 179 citations

This literature review suggests that therapeutic gardens and horticultural therapy may offer various benefits for the elderly, including reduced pain and stress, improved attention, and better sleep, but highlights a significant lack of rigorous, controlled clinical trials to definitively prove these effects, making self-experimentation an exploratory but potentially valuable endeavor.

Effects of a community gardening intervention on diet, physical activity, and anthropometry outcomes in the USA (CAPS): an observer-blind, randomised controlled trial

Jill Litt, Katherine Alaimo, Kylie K. Harrall +10 more · The Lancet Planetary Health · 2023 · 83 citations

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and social disconnection are important modifiable risk factors for non-communicable and other chronic diseases, which might be alleviated through nature-based community interventions. We tested whether a community gardening intervention could reduce these common health risks in an adult population that is diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: In this observer-blind, randomised, controlled trial, we recruited individuals who were on Denver Urban Garden waiting lists for community gardens in Denver and Aurora (CO, USA), aged 18 years or older, and had not gardened in the past 2 years. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1), using a randomised block design in block sizes of two, four, or six, to receive a community garden plot (intervention group) or remain on a waiting list and not garden (control group). Researchers were masked to group allocation. Primary outcomes were diet, physical activity, and anthropometry; secondary outcomes were perceived stress and anxiety. During spring (April to early June, before randomisation; timepoint 1 [T1]), autumn (late August to October; timepoint 2 [T2]), and winter (January to March, after the intervention; timepoint 3 [T3]), participants completed three diet recalls, 7-day accelerometry, surveys, and anthropometry. Analyses were done using the intention-to-treat principle (ie, including all participants randomly assigned to groups, and assessed as randomised). We used mixed models to test time-by-intervention hypotheses at an α level of 0·04, with T2 and T3 intervention effects at an α level of 0·005 (99·5% CI). Due to potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes, we excluded all participant data collected after Feb 1, 2020. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03089177, and data collection is now complete. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2017, and June 15, 2019, 493 adults were screened and 291 completed baseline measures and were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=145) or control (n=146) groups. Mean age was 41·5 years (SD 13·5), 238 (82%) of 291 participants were female, 52 (18%) were male, 99 (34%) identified as Hispanic, and 191 (66%) identified as non-Hispanic. 237 (81%) completed measurements before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. One (<1%) participant in the intervention group had an adverse allergic event in the garden. Significant time-by-intervention effects were observed for fibre intake (p=0·034), with mean between-group difference (intervention minus control) at T2 of 1·41 g per day (99·5% CI -2·09 to 4·92), and for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p=0·012), with mean between-group difference of 5·80 min per day (99·5% CI -4·44 to 16·05). We found no significant time-by-intervention interactions for combined fruit and vegetable intake, Healthy Eating Index (measured using Healthy Eating Index-2010), sedentary time, BMI, and waist circumference (all p>0·04). Difference score models showed greater reductions between T1 and T2 in perceived stress and anxiety among participants in the intervention group than among those in the control group. INTERPRETATION: Community gardening can provide a nature-based solution, accessible to a diverse population including new gardeners, to improve wellbeing and important behavioural risk factors for non-communicable and chronic diseases. FUNDING: American Cancer Society, University of Colorado Cancer Centre, University of Colorado Boulder, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Michigan AgBioResearch Hatch projects.

Effects of a community gardening intervention on diet, physical activity, and anthropometry outcomes in the USA (CAPS): an observer-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Litt JS, Alaimo K, Harrall KK +10 more · Lancet Planet Health · 2023 · 83 citations

Starting a community garden increased vegetable and fruit intake by roughly one additional serving per day and reduced sedentary time by about 40 minutes per week, but did not significantly change body weight or waist circumference over one year — suggesting gardening improves diet quality and activity patterns without necessarily causing weight loss.

Impact of school gardens in Nepal: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Pepijn Schreinemachers, Dhruba Raj Bhattarai, Giri Dhari Subedi +7 more · Journal of Development Effectiveness · 2017 · 74 citations

This study evaluates the combined impact of school gardens linked to complementary lessons and promotional activities about gardening and nutrition on the nutritional awareness, knowledge, perceptions, eating behaviour and nutritional status of 10- to 15-year-old schoolchildren in Nepal. We used a cluster randomised controlled trial design to collect data from 30 schools and a sample of 1275 and 785 schoolchildren for the 2014 and 2015 school years, respectively. After one year of intervention, we found a significant (p < 0.01) increase in children’s awareness about fruit and vegetables, their knowledge about sustainable agriculture, their knowledge about food, nutrition and health and their stated preferences for eating fruit and vegetables. However, these improvements in intermediary outcomes did not translate into significant improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption or nutritional status. To influence children’s food decisions, it may be required to work more intensively with parents and to increase the availability of fruit and vegetables at the household and community level.

The Role of Allotments and Community Gardens and the Challenges Facing Their Development in Urban Environments—A Literature Review

Anita Kwartnik-Pruc, Gabriela Droj · Land · 2023 · 27 citations

This systematic review of 162 studies (1978–2022) finds that allotment and community gardening consistently improves mental well-being, social cohesion, and food access, but faces major threats from urban development pressure, soil contamination, and insecure land tenure — meaning if you start a garden, you need to test your soil, secure long-term access, and expect measurable psychological benefits within a single growing season.

STICS: a generic model for the simulation of crops and their water and nitrogen balances. I. Theory and parameterization applied to wheat and corn

Nadine Brisson, Bruno Mary, Dominique Ripoche +16 more · Agronomie · 1998 · 763 citations

STICS (Simulateur mulTJdiscplinaire pour les Cultures Standard) is a crop model constructed as a simulation tool capable of working under agricultural conditions. Outputs comprise the production (amount and quality) and the environment. Inputs take into account the climate, the soi1 and the cropping system. STICS is presented as a model exhibiting the following qualities: robustness, an easy access to inputs and an uncomplicated f ~~t u r e evolution thanks to a modular (easy adaptation to various types of plant) nature and generic. However, STICS is not an entirely new model since most parts use classic formalisms or stem from existing models. The main simulated processes are the growth, the development of the crop and the water and nitrogenous balance of the soil-crop system. The seven modules of STICSdevelopment, shoot growth, yield components, root growth, water balance, thermal environment and nitrogen balanceare presented in tum with a discussion about the theoretical choices in comparison to other models. These choices should render the model capable of exhibiting the announced qualities in classic environmental contexts. However, because some processes (e.g. ammoniac volatilization, clrought resistance, etc.) are not taken into account, the use of STICS is presently limited to several cropping systems. ( O InraIElsevier, Paris.) crop modelling / wheat / corn / water balance / nitrogen balance

Revisiting fertilisers and fertilisation strategies for improved nutrient uptake by plants

P.S. Bindraban, Christian O. Dimkpa, Latha Nagarajan +2 more · Biology and Fertility of Soils · 2015 · 476 citations

Meeting human needs within the ecological limits of our planet calls for continuous reflection on, and redesigning of, agricultural technologies and practices. Such technologies include fertilisers, the discovery and use of which have been one of the key factors for increasing crop yield, agricultural productivity and food security. Fertiliser use comes, however, at an environmental cost, and fertilisers have also not been a very economically effective production factor to lift many poor farmers out of poverty, especially in African countries where application on poor soils of unbalanced compositions of nutrients in fertilisers has shown limited impact on yield increase. Agronomic practices to apply existing mineral fertilisers, primarily containing N, P and K, at the right time, the right place, in the right amount, and of the right composition can improve the use efficiency of fertilisers. However, the overall progress to reduce the negative side effects is inadequate for the desired transformation toward sustainable agriculture in poor countries. Globally, there have been no fundamental reflections about the role and functioning of mineral fertilisers over the past 5 decades or more, and compared to other sectors, dismal investments have been made in mineral fertiliser research and development (R&D). In this paper, we reflect on current fertilisers and propose a more deliberate adoption of knowledge of plant physiological processes—including the diversity of mineral nutrient uptake mechanisms, their translocation and metabolism—as an entry point in identifying the physicochemical “packaging” of nutrients, their composition, amount and timing of application to meet plant physiological needs for improved instantaneous uptake. In addition to delivery through the root, we suggest that efforts be redoubled with several other uptake avenues, which as of now are at best haphazard, for the delivery of nutrients to the plant, including above ground parts and seed coating. Furthermore, ecological processes, including nutrient-specific interactions in plant and soil, plant-microorganism symbiosis, and nanotechnology, have to be exploited to enhance nutrient uptake. It is hoped that concerted R&D efforts will be pursued to achieve these strategies.

Past results and future directions in urban community gardens research

Daniela Guitart, Catherine Marina Pickering, Jason Byrne · Urban forestry & urban greening · 2012 · 572 citations

Evaluation of a Horticultural Activity Programme for Persons With Psychiatric Illness

Michael C.Y. Kam, Andrew M. H. Siu · Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy · 2010 · 89 citations

A two-week horticultural activity program significantly reduced self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress in individuals with psychiatric illness compared to conventional training, suggesting gardening activities could be a beneficial self-experiment for mental well-being.

Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crops for Sustainable Agriculture

Bertrand Hirel, Thierry Tétu, Peter J. Lea +1 more · Sustainability · 2011 · 517 citations

In this review, we present the recent developments and future prospects of improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops using various complementary approaches. These include conventional breeding and molecular genetics, in addition to alternative farming techniques based on no-till continuous cover cropping cultures and/or organic nitrogen (N) nutrition. Whatever the mode of N fertilization, an increased knowledge of the mechanisms controlling plant N economy is essential for improving NUE and for reducing excessive input of fertilizers, while maintaining an acceptable yield and sufficient profit margin for the farmers. Using plants grown under agronomic conditions, with different tillage conditions, in pure or associated cultures, at low and high N mineral fertilizer input, or using organic fertilization, it is now possible to develop further whole plant agronomic and physiological studies. These can be combined with gene, protein and metabolite profiling to build up a comprehensive picture depicting the different steps of N uptake, assimilation and recycling to produce either biomass in vegetative organs or proteins in storage organs. We provide a critical overview as to how our understanding of the agro-ecophysiological, physiological and molecular controls of N assimilation in crops, under varying environmental conditions, has been improved. We have used combined approaches, based on agronomic studies, whole plant physiology, quantitative genetics, forward and reverse genetics and the emerging systems biology. Long-term sustainability may require a gradual transition from synthetic N inputs to legume-based crop rotation, including continuous cover cropping systems, where these may be possible in certain areas of the world, depending on climatic conditions. Current knowledge and prospects for future agronomic development and application for breeding crops adapted to lower mineral fertilizer input and to alternative farming techniques are explored, whilst taking into account the constraints of both the current world economic situation and the environment.

Farming in and on urban buildings: Present practice and specific novelties of Zero-Acreage Farming (ZFarming)

Susanne Thomaier, Kathrin Specht, Dietrich Henckel +4 more · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · 2014 · 357 citations

Abstract Considering global trends such as climate change and resource scarcity, a major challenge of future cities will be to reduce urban footprints. Moreover, cities have to become or remain livable for their inhabitants and offer social and economic opportunities. Thus, reconnecting food production and cities offers promising potential. The diffusion of urban farming reflects a rising awareness of how food and farming can shape our cities. A growing number of urban farming projects exist in and on urban buildings, including open rooftop farms, rooftop greenhouses and indoor farming. These projects are characterized by the non-use of land or acreage for farming activities. We use the term ‘Zero-Acreage Farming’ (ZFarming) to represent these farms. The objective of this paper is to: (1) illustrate and systemize present practices of ZFarming and (2) discuss specific novelties of ZFarming in the wider context of urban agriculture. We analyzed 73 ZFarms in cities of North America, Asia, Australia and Europe using a set of criteria, and developed a typology of ZFarming, complemented by in-depth interviews with pioneers in rooftop farming in New York. The results illustrate that ZFarming generates innovative practices that may contribute to a sustainable urban agriculture. Besides growing food, it produces a range of non-food and non-market goods. It involves new opportunities for resource efficiency, new farming technologies, specific implementation processes and networks, new patterns of food supply and new urban spaces.

Home garden use during COVID-19: Associations with physical and mental wellbeing in older adults

Janie Corley, Judith A. Okely, Adele M. Taylor +6 more · Journal of Environmental Psychology · 2020 · 258 citations

= 0.001), after adjusting for covariates. None of the garden measures were associated with perceived change in physical health, mental and emotional health, or sleep quality, from pre-lockdown levels. The results of the current study provide support for positive health benefits of spending time in a garden-though associations may be bidirectional-and suggest that domestic gardens could be a potential health resource during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sustainable agrifood systems for a post-growth world

Steven R. McGreevy, Christoph Rupprecht, Daniel Niles +29 more · Nature Sustainability · 2022 · 231 citations

A pilot randomized controlled trial of group-based indoor gardening and art activities demonstrates therapeutic benefits to healthy women

Raymond Odeh, Elizabeth R. M. Diehl, Sara Jo Nixon +10 more · PLoS ONE · 2022 · 17 citations

BACKGROUND: There is mounting anecdotal and empirical evidence that gardening and art-making afford therapeutic benefits. OBJECTIVES: This randomly controlled pilot study tested the hypothesis that participation in group-based indoor gardening or art-making activities for one hour twice a week for four weeks would provide quantifiably different therapeutic benefits to a population of healthy women ages 26-49. METHODS: A population of 42 volunteers was randomly assigned to parallel gardening or art-making treatment groups. A total of 36 participants initiated the treatment protocol and 32 (Gardening n = 15 and Art n = 17) received the interventions and completed all assessments. Treatments included eight one-hour group-based gardening or art intervention sessions. Self-report psychometric assessments were conducted for anxiety, depression symptomatology, mood disturbance, stress, satisfaction with discretionary social activities, and quality of life measures. Cardiac physiological data were also collected. Outcomes were measured at baseline, during, and post-intervention. RESULTS: Engaging in both gardening and art-making activities resulted in apparent therapeutic improvements for self-reported total mood disturbance, depression symptomatology, and perceived stress with different effect sizes following eight one-hour treatment sessions. Gardening also resulted in improvements for indications of trait anxiety. Based on time-course evidence, dosage responses were observed for total mood disturbance, perceived stress, and depression symptomatology for both gardening and art-making. However, gardening or art-making did not have an apparent influence on heart rate or blood pressure or result in marked improvement for satisfaction with discretionary leisure activities. CONCLUSION: The data did not support the hypothesis of differential therapeutic benefits of gardening and art-making for healthy women. When taken together, group-based gardening or art-making can provide quantitatively measurable improvements in healthy women's psychosocial health status that imply potentially important public health benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03266120.

Assessing health impacts of home food gardens with Wind River Indian Reservation families: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Christine Porter, Alyssa M. Wechsler, Felix Naschold +2 more · BMJ Open · 2019 · 17 citations

Introduction This community-based participatory research, Growing Resilience, will be the first full-scale randomised controlled trial we have identified that is designed to evaluate impacts of home gardening on family health. It is based on observational studies suggesting home food gardening has myriad health benefits, Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) families’ interest in home gardening and the need to end Native American health disparities with empowering, appropriate and effective health interventions. Methods and analysis A total of 100 Native American families in WRIR who have not gardened recently but want to garden will be randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention (receiving 2 years of support designing, installing and maintaining a home food garden of at least 80 square feet (approximately 7 square meters) or to delayed-intervention control (receiving same gardening support after 2 years of data collection). Willing family members aged 5 and up will participate in data collection each February and August for 2 years, with blood, biometric and survey measures at each. The primary outcome is adult body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes include child BMI, and adult hand strength, self-reported physical and mental health, diabetes control and food security. Primary analysis will be intention to treat (ITT), using univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics followed by a mixed model to estimate the ITT effect of the intervention using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) estimation. We will also examine treatment affects using a gardening fidelity measure, combined adult and child BMI outcomes using a lambda mu and sigma (LMS) Z-score reference data set and possible mechanisms of health impacts. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the University of Wyoming Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the project’s Community Advisory Board. De-identified data will be shared with each tribe, and results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, summarised for distribution in WRIR, and shared at a national event to be hosted in WRIR in 2020. Trial registration number NCT02672748; Pre-results.

Multifunctional Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Land Use Planning in the United States

Sarah Taylor Lovell · Sustainability · 2010 · 676 citations

Urban agriculture offers an alternative land use for integrating multiple functions in densely populated areas. While urban agriculture has historically been an important element of cities in many developing countries, recent concerns about economic and food security have resulted in a growing movement to produce food in cities of developed countries including the United States. In these regions, urban agriculture offers a new frontier for land use planners and landscape designers to become involved in the development and transformation of cities to support community farms, allotment gardens, rooftop gardening, edible landscaping, urban forests, and other productive features of the urban environment. Despite the growing interest in urban agriculture, urban planners and landscape designers are often ill-equipped to integrate food-systems thinking into future plans for cities. The challenge (and opportunity) is to design urban agriculture spaces to be multifunctional, matching the specific needs and preferences of local residents, while also protecting the environment. This paper provides a review of the literature on urban agriculture as it applies to land use planning in the United States. The background includes a brief historical perspective of urban agriculture around the world, as well as more recent examples in the United States. Land use applications are considered for multiple scales, from efforts that consider an entire city, to those that impact a single building or garden. Barriers and constraints to urban agriculture are discussed, followed by research opportunities and methodological approaches that might be used to address them. This work has implications for urban planners, landscape designers, and extension agents, as opportunities to integrate urban agriculture into the fabric of our cities expand.

Beyond food production: Ecosystem services provided by home gardens. A case study in Vall Fosca, Catalan Pyrenees, Northeastern Spain

Laura Calvet‐Mir, Erik Gómez‐Baggethun, Victòria Reyes-García · Ecological Economics · 2012 · 282 citations

Edible green infrastructure: An approach and review of provisioning ecosystem services and disservices in urban environments

Alessio Russo, Francisco J. Escobedo, Giuseppe T. Cirella +1 more · Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2017 · 267 citations

Effects of nutrition education and home gardening interventions on feto-maternal outcomes among pregnant women in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A cluster randomized controlled trial

Melesse Niguse Kuma, Dessalegn Tamiru, Tefera Belachew · PLoS ONE · 2023 · 10 citations

BACKGROUND: Although pro-dietary practices and associated malnutrition are modifiable risk factors, they have a significant effect on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of nutritional education and home gardening promotion on feto-maternal outcomes among pregnant women. METHODS: A three parallel arms community-based cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from August 2020 to January 2021. Eighteen selected clusters were randomly assigned into three arms: husband (pregnant woman with her husband), peers (pregnant woman with her peers), and the controls. A total of 348 pregnant women were recruited in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to the study arms at the baseline and 336 attended the end-line survey. Three nutrition education sessions and four varieties of vegetable seeds were provided for women in the intervention arms (husband and peers) and only routine nutrition education for the controls. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Generalized estimating equation analysis (GEE) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis test were used to evaluate the effect of the interventions. The intervention effect estimates were obtained through a difference-in-differences approach. RESULT: In the final model, neonates born to women in the husband group were 232 g heavier than those in the control groups (β = 232, 95%CI: 228.00, 236.27. Similarly, women in the husband group had a 0.45 g/dl greater hemoglobin level than the control groups (β = 0.45, 95% CI: 36.48, 54.40). Likewise, a minimum diet diversity score was higher in the husband group as compared to the controls (β = 0.87 95% CI: (0.56, 1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, nutrition education and home gardening interventions resulted in a significant positive effect on the mean birth weight and maternal hemoglobin level among the intervention groups. The findings imply the need for enhancing such interventions to improve feto-maternal outcomes. The trial was registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry as PACTR202008624731801.

Effects of water stress on growth, biomass partitioning, and water-use efficiency in summer maize (Zea mays L.) throughout the growth cycle

Tida Ge, Fanggong Sui, Li‐Ping Bai +2 more · Acta Physiologiae Plantarum · 2011 · 154 citations

Chemical and biochemical properties in a silty loam soil under conventional and organic management

Sebastiana Melero, Juan Carlos Ruiz Porras, Juan Francisco Herencia +1 more · Soil and Tillage Research · 2005 · 311 citations

Allotment gardening and health: a comparative survey among allotment gardeners and their neighbors without an allotment

A.E. van den Berg, Marijke van Winsum-Westra, S. de Vries +1 more · Environmental Health · 2010 · 294 citations

BACKGROUND: The potential contribution of allotment gardens to a healthy and active life-style is increasingly recognized, especially for elderly populations. However, few studies have empirically examined beneficial effects of allotment gardening. In the present study the health, well-being and physical activity of older and younger allotment gardeners was compared to that of controls without an allotment. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 121 members of 12 allotment sites in the Netherlands and a control group of 63 respondents without an allotment garden living next to the home addresses of allotment gardeners. The survey included five self-reported health measures (perceived general health, acute health complaints, physical constraints, chronic illnesses, and consultations with GP), four self-reported well-being measures (stress, life satisfaction, loneliness, and social contacts with friends) and one measure assessing self-reported levels of physical activity in summer. Respondents were divided into a younger and older group at the median of 62 years which equals the average retirement age in the Netherlands. RESULTS: After adjusting for income, education level, gender, stressful life events, physical activity in winter, and access to a garden at home as covariates, both younger and older allotment gardeners reported higher levels of physical activity during the summer than neighbors in corresponding age categories. The impacts of allotment gardening on health and well-being were moderated by age. Allotment gardeners of 62 years and older scored significantly or marginally better on all measures of health and well-being than neighbors in the same age category. Health and well-being of younger allotment gardeners did not differ from younger neighbors. The greater health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening for older gardeners may be related to the finding that older allotment gardeners were more oriented towards gardening and being active, and less towards passive relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with the notion that having an allotment garden may promote an active life-style and contribute to healthy aging. However, the findings may be limited by self selection and additional research is needed to confirm and extend the current findings.

Cultivating health and wellbeing: members' perceptions of the health benefits of a Port Melbourne community garden

Jonathan Kingsley, Mardie Townsend, Claire Henderson‐Wilson · Leisure Studies · 2009 · 281 citations

This paper reports on a research project undertaken with members of a community garden in Port Melbourne, Australia, to investigate the ways in which such a facility contributes to the enhancement of health, wellbeing and contact with nature for urban dwellers. Ten members from an urban community garden were interviewed using qualitative semi‐structured questions exploring perceptions of health and wellbeing benefits associated with membership. The garden was felt by members to be a sanctuary where people could come together and escape daily pressures, a source of advice and social support, and a place which gave them a sense of worth and involvement. Members also identified spiritual, fitness and nutritional benefits arising from participation in the community garden. It is evident even from this small qualitative study that community gardening offers many health and wellbeing benefits to members. This study provides a basis for the benefits of community gardens in Australia to be taken into account by policy‐makers and practitioners to enhance urban community health and wellbeing.

Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities

Jonathan Kingsley, Monika Egerer, Sonia Nuttman +10 more · Urban forestry & urban greening · 2021 · 99 citations

Does the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening increase intake of fruit and vegetables in children? Results from two randomised controlled trials

Meaghan S Christian, Charlotte Evans, Janet Cade · Public Health Research · 2014 · 13 citations

Background Children’s fruit and vegetable intake in the UK is low. Changing intake is challenging. Gardening in schools might be a vehicle for facilitating fruit and vegetable intake. Objectives To undertake the first clustered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of a gardening intervention. To evaluate the impact of a school gardening programme, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Campaign for School Gardening, on children’s fruit and vegetable intake. Methods Primary school children aged 8–11 years from eight London boroughs were included in one of two related RCTs. Trial 1 consisted of 23 schools, randomised to receive either a RHS-led or teacher-led intervention. Trial 2 consisted of 31 schools, randomised to either the teacher-led intervention or a comparison group. A 24-hour food diary [the Child And Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET)] collected baseline and follow-up dietary intake. Questionnaires measured children’s knowledge and attitudes towards fruit and vegetables and assessed intervention implementation. Data were collected by fieldworkers who were blind to the original allocation of the school. The primary outcome was change in fruit and vegetable intake analysed using a random effects model, based on intention to treat. Results Total sample size at baseline for both trials (2529 children) was lower than the original aim of 2900 children. The final sample size was 1557, with 641 children completing trial 1 (RHS-led, n = 312; teacher-led, n = 329) and 916 children completing trial 2 (teacher-led, n = 488; control, n = 428). The response rate at follow-up for the two combined was 62%. Baseline analysis of children’s fruit and vegetable intake showed that eating a family meal together, cutting up fruit and vegetables, and parental modelling of fruit and vegetable intakes were all associated with higher intakes of fruit and vegetables in children. The primary trial outcome, combined fruit and vegetable intake, showed that in trial 1 the teacher-led group had a mean change in intake of 8 g [95% confidence interval (CI) –19 to 36 g], compared with a mean of –32 g (95% CI –60 to –3 g) in the RHS-led group. However, this difference was not significant (intervention effect –43 g, 95% CI –88 to 1 g; p = 0.06). In trial 2, the teacher-led group consumed 15 g (95% CI –36 to 148 g) more fruit and vegetables than the comparison group; this difference was not significant. No change was found in children’s knowledge and attitudes. However, if schools improved their RHS gardening score by three levels, children had a higher intake of 81 g of fruit and vegetables (95% CI 0 to 163 g; p = 0.05) compared with schools with no change in gardening score. Conclusion Results from these trials provide little evidence that school gardening alone can improve children’s fruit and vegetable intake. In both trials, gardening levels increased across all groups from baseline to follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of improvement in gardening level. This lack of differentiation between groups is likely to have influenced the primary outcome. However, when the gardening intervention was implemented at the highest intensities there was a suggestion that it could improve children’s fruit and vegetable intake by a portion. Analysis of the baseline data showed that family support for fruit and vegetable intakes was associated with higher intakes of fruit and vegetables in children. This study highlights the need for more sophisticated and accurate tools to evaluate diet in children. Future intervention designs should include a greater level of parental involvement in school interventions, along with related components such as cooking, to substantially improve children’s fruit and vegetable intake. In addition, the home environment has been demonstrated to be an important focus for intervention. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN11396528. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research ; Vol. 2, No. 4. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

“You feel like you’re part of something bigger”: exploring motivations for community garden participation in Melbourne, Australia

Jonathan Kingsley, Emily Foenander, Aisling Bailey · BMC Public Health · 2019 · 120 citations

BACKGROUND: Increased global urbanisation has led to public health challenges. Community gardens are identified as a mechanism for addressing socio-ecological determinants of health. This study aims to explore motives for joining community gardens, and the extent to which participation can be facilitated given barriers and enablers to community gardening. Such a study fills a gap in the public health literature, particularly in the Australian context. METHODS: This paper presents findings from semi-structured interviews with 23 participants from 6 community gardens across Melbourne. Applying phenomenological, epistemological and reflexive methodologies and thematic analysis of the data, this study provides a snapshot of drivers of community garden participation. RESULTS: Results were categorised into six enabling themes to participation. These themes revolved around (i) family history, childhood and passion for gardening; (ii) productive gardening, sustainability and growing fresh produce in nature; (iii) building social and community connections; (iv) community and civic action; (v) stress relief; and (vi) building identity, pride and purpose. Time costs incurred, garden governance and vandalism of garden spaces were among the barriers to community garden participation. CONCLUSION: Although an interest in the act of gardening itself may be universally present among community gardeners to varying degrees, the findings of this study suggest that motivations for participation are diverse and span a range of ancestral, social, environmental, and political domains. This study contributes exploratory insights on community garden motivations and sustained involvement across multiple urban sites in Melbourne (Australia). This study recommends extending this work by undertaking future quantitative research that can move from local case studies to a national guidelines on how to engage more people in urban agriculture activities like community gardening.

Monitoring the contribution of urban agriculture to urban sustainability: an indicator-based framework

Carlos Tapia, Linda Randall, Shinan Wang +1 more · Sustainable Cities and Society · 2021 · 120 citations

In an increasingly urbanized world, urban agriculture and community gardening are promoted as lever for sustainable urban development. Urban agriculture contributes to food security, provides health benefits for the population, fosters social inclusion and enhances perceived wellbeing. At the same time, from a planning perspective, urban agriculture also provides a valuable resource for urban regeneration. However, depending on prevalent farming practices urban agriculture may also have social and environmental externalities. While several of these aspects have been extensively tackled in the literature, others, in particular governance and planning aspects, are still unaddressed. Moreover, a comprehensive outline for the evaluation of urban agriculture performance from an urban sustainability perspective is still lacking. In this work we present a novel indicator-based evaluation framework for urban agriculture that captures the contribution of gardening practices to urban sustainability in a consistent, transparent and systematic way. We further illustrate the usability of our framework by testing it in Fællesgartneriet Brabrand, a community garden located in the city of Arhus, Denmark.

Growing Minds: The Effect of a School Gardening Program on the Science Achievement of Elementary Students

C.D. Klemmer, Tina M. Waliczek, Jayne M. Zajicek · HortTechnology · 2005 · 209 citations

Science achievement of third, fourth, and fifth grade elementary students was studied using a sample of 647 students from seven elementary schools in Temple, Texas. Students in the experimental group participated in school gardening activities as part of their science curriculum in addition to using traditional classroom-based methods. In contrast, students in the control group were taught science using traditional classroom-based methods only. Students in the experimental group scored significantly higher on the science achievement test compared to the students in the control group. No statistical significance was found between girls and boys in the experimental group, indicating that gardening was equally effective at teaching science for both genders. After separating the data into the grade levels, the garden curriculum was more effective as a teaching method in raising science achievement scores for boys in third and fifth grades, and for girls in the fifth grade compared to traditional classroom-based methods alone.

Can home gardens scale up into movements for social change? The role of home gardens in providing food security and community change in San Jose, California

Leslie Gray, Patricia Guzmán, K. Michelle Glowa +1 more · Local Environment · 2013 · 139 citations

Urban policymakers and sustainable food activists have identified urban agriculture as an important strategy for confronting a host of urban problems, including food insecurity, health disparities, access to urban green space and community economic revitalisation. Much recent work on urban agriculture has examined community and school gardens, but little research has been undertaken on home gardens as a solution to urban problems. This article examines a home-gardening programme in San Jose, California, La Mesa Verde, asking whether some of the benefits found in community gardens can be found in home gardens. Specifically, we look at financial, health and community benefits, examining the potential of home gardens to become forces for broader social change. We ask whether gardens can become agents of cultural preservation, self-determination, particularly for recent immigrants who use these spaces to build identities and work towards collective action and self-determination.

The informed gardener

Linda Chalker-Scott · University of Washington Press · 2008

The Informed Gardener

Linda Chalker-Scott · University of Washington Press · 2013

A synthesis of peer-reviewed horticultural research debunks dozens of common gardening myths, showing that many "best practices" (e.g., amending planting holes, using landscape fabric, applying vitamin stimulants) either waste time and money or actively harm plant health, while simpler, evidence-based approaches consistently outperform conventional wisdom.

Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web

Jeff Lowenfels, Wayne Lewis · Hachette+ORM · 2014

This book synthesises decades of soil microbiology research into a practical framework showing that healthy plants depend on a complex food web of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes in the soil — and that chemical fertilisers and pesticides systematically destroy this web, creating a cycle of dependency that can be broken by adopting specific organic practices like composting, mulching, and avoiding tillage.

Community Gardening: Stress, Well-Being, and Resilience Potentials

Way Inn Koay, Denise Dillon · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020 · 117 citations

The financial and health burdens of stress associated with increased urbanization have led to a demand for mental health enhancement strategies. While some extant literature details mental health benefits of community gardening, a coherent narrative on the construct of resilience and its relationship with the mental health benefits of community gardening is lacking. The present study examined the relationship between community gardening and a number of mental health benefits, in the forms of subjective well-being, stress, resilience potentials, and resilience factors (self-esteem, optimism, and openness). A total of 111 residents in Singapore completed a survey. Results from Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and Pearson's correlation analyses show that, after controlling for age and levels of connection to nature, community gardeners reported significantly higher levels of subjective well-being than individual/home gardeners and non-gardeners, indicating that engagement in community gardening may be superior to individual/home gardening or non-gardening outdoor activities. Community gardeners reported higher levels of resilience and optimism than the non-gardening control group. These novel results indicate some potential for mental health benefits in urban environments, specifically in terms of subjective well-being and resilience. These findings have implications for future research in clinical psychology, mental health promotion, and policy.

Horticultural therapy program for improving emotional well-being of elementary school students: an observational study

Yun-Ah Oh, A-Young Lee, Kyungjin An +1 more · Integrative Medicine Research · 2020 · 29 citations

A 7-week horticultural therapy program (one 60-minute session per week) improved emotional intelligence in 582 Korean elementary school students aged 11–13, but improvements in resilience and self-efficacy were only seen in boys, not girls — and the lack of a control group means we cannot be sure the gardening caused the changes.

Community Gardens as Contexts for Science, Stewardship, and Civic Action Learning

Marianne E. Krasny, Keith G. Tidball · Cities and the Environment · 2009 · 201 citations

Community gardens are heterogeneous environments that integrate environmental restoration, community activism, social interactions, cultural expression, and food security. As such, they provide a context for learning that addresses multiple societal goals, including a populace that is scientifically literate, practices environmental stewardship, and participates in civic life. Several theories are useful in describing the learning that occurs in community gardens, including those focusing on learning as acquisition of content by individuals, learning as interaction with other individuals and the environment and as increasingly skilled levels of participation in a community of practice, and social learning among groups of stakeholders leading to concerted action to enhance natural resources. In this paper, we use preliminary evidence from the Garden Mosaics intergenerational education program to suggest the potential for community gardens to foster multiple types of learning.

The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: an umbrella review and meta-analysis.

Panțiru I, Ronaldson A, Sima N +2 more · Syst Rev · 2024 · 46 citations

This umbrella review of 28 systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that gardening interventions consistently improve well-being, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and enhance quality of life, with the strongest effects seen in community gardening (moderate-to-large effect sizes) and therapeutic horticulture (large effect sizes), but the evidence is limited by short study durations (most under 12 weeks) and a lack of blinding.

Learning from the gardeners of the oldest community garden in Seattle: Resilience explained through ecosystem services analysis

Maria Elena Menconi, Laure Héland, David Grohmann · Urban forestry & urban greening · 2020 · 60 citations

Real Foliage Plants as Visual Stimuli to Improve Concentration and Attention in Elementary Students

Yun-Ah Oh, Seon-Ok Kim, Sin-Ae Park · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2019 · 55 citations

This study was conducted to determine the physiological and psychological benefits of foliage plants as visual stimuli. Twenty-three elementary students (aged 11 to 13 years old) participated in this study. In a crossover design, electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure and determine the psycho-physiological effects of four different visual stimuli: an actual plant, artificial plant, photograph of a plant, and no plant. Subjective evaluations of emotions were assessed using the profile of mood state and semantic differential methods immediately after exposure to each visual stimulus. A significant decrease in theta waves of the frontal lobe was associated with presentation of the actual plants. This response indicated that the viewing of living plants prompted improvements in the attention and concentration of the elementary students. Furthermore, the presentation of the living plants was associated with more positive mood states, such as feelings of comfort and naturalness. In conclusion, actual plants may improve attention and prompt psychological relaxation in elementary students relative to artificial plants, photographs of plants, or the absence of plants.

Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening

Richard Thompson · Clinical Medicine · 2018 · 98 citations

There is increasing evidence that exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health, and so could reduce the pressure on NHS services. Health professionals should therefore encourage their patients to make use of green space and to work in gardens, and should pressure local authorities to increase open spaces and the number of trees, thus also helping to counteract air pollution and climate change.

Effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy in Older Patients With Dementia: A Meta-Analysis Systemic Review.

Wang M, Qian Y, Yu X +1 more · J Clin Nurs · 2024 · 5 citations

The Effect of Interior Planting on Health and Discomfort among Workers and School Children

T. Fjeld · HortTechnology · 2000 · 118 citations

Plants are widely used in building environments; however, studies reporting the health and discomfort symptoms of people in response to indoor foliage plants are few. The objective of the presented studies was to assess the effect of foliage plants or a combination of foliage plants and full-spectrum fluorescent lamps on self-reported health and discomfort complaints in three different work environments: an office building, an X-ray department in a Norwegian hospital, and a junior high school. Health and discomfort symptoms were found to be 21% to 25% lower during the period when subjects had plants or plants and full-spectrum lighting present compared to a period without plants. Neuropsychological symptoms, such as fatigue and headache, and mucous membrane symptoms, such as dry and hoarse throat, seemed to be more affected by the treatments than skin symptoms, such as itching skin.

Gardener Well-Being along Social and Biophysical Landscape Gradients

Monika Egerer, Stacy M. Philpott, Peter Bichier +3 more · Sustainability · 2018 · 41 citations

Increasing human populations are challenging cities to grow sustainably while maintaining green spaces that deliver ecosystem services and well-being benefits. Community gardens are green spaces that provide food, community, and health benefits, but gardens often are non-permanent due to development and green space loss. Thus, investigating their significance and benefit across urban regions is critical for research and policy alike. This study investigated the role of community gardens in providing human well-being benefits across three counties in the California Central Coast—a region undergoing massive urban transformation in the last century. We measured how multiple aspects of self-reported gardener well-being varied in relation to the social opportunities of surrounding neighborhoods and the biophysical features of the landscapes in which the gardens were embedded. The results document improvements in gardener well-being through gardening across social and biophysical gradients. Gardeners are motivated by diverse reasons, varying from gardening in order to connect to nature, to gardening for improved food access, or to enhance time spent with family. Community gardens are therefore important for supporting many well-being benefits. Policies to maintain and protect gardens should prioritize neighborhoods with needs for connecting to nature and enhancing social interaction within the community.

USE OF ORGANIC APPLICATIONS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF HIGH DENSITY APPLE ORCHARDS

G.H. Neilsen, E. J. Hogue, D. Neilsen +1 more · Acta Horticulturae · 2004 · 30 citations

Minimizing use of agrochemicals in fruit growing is a goal of integrated fruit production (IFP). Recently, a range of locally available organic materials have been advocated for possible orchard use. Over the past decade, a series of randomized, replicated field trials were established in grower and research orchards in British Columbia to test the effectiveness of these materials when applied to the surface as mulches or mixed to 30 cm depth as soil amendments. Mulch application most consistently affected tree growth, as indicated in a long term field trial where cumulative yield after 5 crop years was increased by surface application of shredded paper, alfalfa and biosolid mulches. Soil nutrient status and soil biological activity were altered by surface mulching and at another site trees were buffered against moisture stress. Initial growth stimulation from mulching was not sustained at a site where excessive irrigation reduced N availability. Rotovation of a biosolid-amendment to 0.3 m depth prior to planting improved the P-nutrition and initial growth of apple. Amendment treatment did not always affect apple tree performance. Effects were not observed at sites with strong fertigation regimes or fertile soils or when sites had overriding growth limitations unaffected by treatment (e.g. replant disease, K deficiency). INTRODUCTION In the semi-arid, irrigated fruit growing regions of the Pacific Northwest of North America, there are economic factors inducing greater intensification of fruit production, as typified by high density orchards of new apple cultivars on dwarfing rootstocks (Hampson et al., 2002). At the same time, environmental concerns are creating a trend towards minimizing the impact of these production systems on the environment by adoption of integrated fruit production (IFP) techniques (Intl. Soc. Hort. Sci., 1990). Increased use of organic materials as soil amendments or surface mulches have been advocated (Merwin et al., 1995) as compatible with IFP since fertilizer and herbicide inputs can be reduced. Their use may be particularly valuable on coarse-textured soils with limited nutrient and water holding capacity (Neilsen et al., 1998). Little information is available concerning the effects of mulches and amendments on apple tree performance and soil quality in typical modern orchards in semi-arid regions. A series of field trials were established in British Columbia orchards to determine the effect of a range of organic materials used as mulches or amendments on growth, yield and nutrition of apple trees and alteration of orchard soil properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS All randomized and replicated field trials were established in high density apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks (Table 1). Treatments involved either surface application of organic materials (mulching) or amendment of the surface soil by incorporation of the organic materials to 0.3 m depth. The check treatment at each site was the industry standard herbicide strip, usually 1-2 m wide. Fertilization and irrigation practices followed standard commercial production practices for the region (Brit. Col. Ministr. of Agr.& Food, 1998). Experimental designs were randomized complete blocks. Standard annual measurements were made of tree vigor, yield and leaf nutrition as previously Proc. XXVI IHC – Sustainability of Horticultural Systems Eds. L. Bertschinger and J.D. Anderson Acta Hort. 638, ISHS 2004 Publication supported by Can. Int. Dev. Agency (CIDA) 348 described (Neilsen et al., 2002). At site 1, soil protozoa and Pratylenchus penetrans populations were identified by methods previously described (Forge et al., 2002). Soil C was determined by combustion analysis (LECO Corp., St. Joseph, MI, USA) and soil P by inductively coupled argon plasma spectrophotometry after extraction in 0.25M HOAC + 0.015M NH4F (Van Lierop, 1988). The organic materials used in the experiments exhibited a range of nutrient contents and chemical properties (Table 2). Analysis of variance was performed on all plant and soil data to elucidate treatment effects using the general linear model of SAS Institute Inc. Means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Mulch Experiments At site 1, after six growing seasons there was a large variation in size of apple trees, as indicated by differences in average trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) among various mulch treatments (trts) (Fig. 1). Largest trees were associated with various combinations of shredded paper mulch (trts 3, 4 and 5) with TCSA more than 50% larger than check trees. Smallest trees were consistently observed for the check trees and for trees grown with 2 applications of 45 t ha of Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) biosolids. Cumulative yield, 1995-1999, was higher for all trts relative to the check . The greatest cumulative yield (80% greater than check) was measured for trees grown with shredded paper mulch (trt 3). Despite having similar size, trees with trt 2 (GVRD-biosolids only) exceeded cumulative yield of check trees. Soil properties in the 15 cm below the mulch were altered by surface mulching. For example, soil C was increased relative to check treatments beneath all but the black plastic mulch (trt 6, Fig. 2). Application of biosolids (trts 1, 4 and 5) increased extractable soil P relative to the standard check treatment. A stimulation of biological activity after biosolids application was indicated by a relative increase in protozoa numbers for trts 1 and 4 (Fig. 3). Also noteworthy was a decrease in population of the root-feeding nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, associated with replant disorders, beneath mulches containing alfalfa (trt 2) or shredded paper combinations (trts 3, 4 and 5). At site 2 (Table 1), first year TCSA increment and numbers of fruit in second year were significantly increased by 3 of 4 mulch treatments (Table 3) but effects faded by third year. Leaf N concentrations were generally low at this site and likely limited growth. Application of Ogogrow increased leaf N in the first year but only when co-applied with Newstech spray-on-mulch in second year. Frequent large applications of irrigation water with rates not adjusted to individual plots are applied in this block since the coarsetextured soils are prone to water stress. Under these conditions it is difficult to maintain sufficient N in the root zone even after the application of N-mineralizing mulches. Adjustments in irrigation may be required to maximize the benefits of mulching. Mulch and Amendment Experiments Growth of ‘Gala’ apple trees at site 3 (Table 1) was not strongly influenced by either mulch or amendment treatments (Fig. 4). An exception was trees mulched with Riverside wood waste after application of 45 t ha of Envirowaste (trt 5) and trees amended twice with Envirowaste (trt 4) which had greater vigor (larger TCSA) than trees receiving the amendment alone (trt 1). The grower co-operator fertigated with both N and P daily from April early June each year. At site 4 (Table 1), growth and initial yield of ‘Gala’ apple trees in the first 2 growing seasons was unaffected by any soil management treatment (Fig. 5). In the third growing season, an irrigation treatment was created in which selected trees received 50% of atmometer-scheduled irrigation which was otherwise applied in this plot. Fruit size was reduced on average by 5% in this water stress treatment. This reduction in fruit size was not observed for trees growing in mulched or amended plots. All trees received a

Community gardens as local learning environments in social housing contexts: participant perceptions of enhanced wellbeing and community connection

Tonia Gray, Danielle Tracey, Son Truong +1 more · Local Environment · 2022 · 38 citations

Urban community gardens provide learning environments for diverse groups, including those who may be experiencing health and social inequalities such as residents in social housing communities. Learning to grow fresh food in safe social spaces provides individuals with opportunities to increase awareness of their personal wellbeing and community life. This paper reports on the findings of a research study that explored broader impacts of a community gardening programme on 42 adult residents living in social housing estates in Sydney, Australia. The mixed-methods study design captured participants’ self-perceived benefits of community gardening across six new sites. A final sample of 23 participants across the sites completed both the Sense of Community Index 2 and the Personal Wellbeing Index questionnaires at pre- and post-test (following six to seven months of being involved in the programme). Focus groups involved 42 participants from all six sites. Perceived benefits included enhanced awareness of their overall health and wellbeing, new interest in growing fresh food, enjoyment of shared produce and recipes, feelings of happiness, frequent socialisation and community connectedness. The findings highlight the impactful role of community gardens as effective local learning environments that promote psychological wellbeing and community connection in underserved communities. We conclude by reinforcing the need for sustainable community gardens for addressing social inequality and promoting multiple psychosocial benefits.

Horticultural Activity: Its Contribution to Stress Recovery and Wellbeing for Children

Yuhan Shao, Mohamed Elsadek, Binyi Liu · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020 · 37 citations

In recent years, children's use of mobile phones has grown rapidly, which might lead to an increase in mental stress and negatively affect their health. Despite increasing evidence that horticultural activity can provide significant health benefits, few scientific evidence-based studies are currently available regarding these benefits to children's health and wellbeing in schools. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential benefits of horticultural activity for children from both psychological and physiological perspectives. Twenty-six elementary school students (mean age, 8.12 ± 0.21 years) were asked to perform a plant-related task and a mobile game task for 5 min. During both tasks, physiological sensors were used to measure the participants' heart rate variability, skin conductance, and skin temperature. Additionally, the participants' emotional responses were assessed using semantic differential and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory tests immediately after each task. Results revealed that, compared with the mobile game task, participants' health statuses were positively correlated with the horticultural task, including a considerable decrease in skin conductance and sympathetic nervous activity, together with a marginal increase in parasympathetic nervous activity. Such responses suggested that horticultural activity increased relaxation and decreased feelings of stress. Furthermore, the horticultural activity was associated with a substantial increment in comfort, naturalness, relaxation, and cheerfulness feelings, as well as a significant reduction in depression and a reduction in total anxiety levels. Given these positive benefits, horticultural activity may provide a great contribution to children's healthy life at school, prompt psychological relaxation and minimize mental stress relative to smartphone games.

Beyond Productivity: Considering the Health, Social Value and Happiness of Home and Community Food Gardens

Georgia Pollard, Philip Roetman, James Ward +2 more · Urban Science · 2018 · 35 citations

We are living in an age of concern for mental health and wellbeing. The objective of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the perceived health, social value and happiness benefits of urban agriculture (UA) by focusing on home and community food gardens in South Australia. The results reported in this paper are from “Edible Gardens”, a citizen science project designed to investigate the social value, productivity and resource efficiency of UA in South Australia. Methods include an online survey and in-field garden data collection. Key findings include: dominant home gardener motivations were the produce, enjoyment, and health, while dominant community gardener motivations were enjoyment, connection to others and the produce. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four key factors: Tranquillity and Timeout, Develop and Learn Skills, the Produce, and Social Connection. The key difference between home and community gardeners was an overall social connection. Although home gardeners did not appear to actively value or desire inter-household social connection, this does not mean they do not value or participate in other avenues of social connection, such as via social learning sources or by sharing food with others. The combined results from this research regarding health and wellbeing, social connection and happiness support the premise that engagement in home or community food gardening may provide a preventative or supportive role for gardener health and wellbeing, regardless of whether it is a conscious motivation for participation.