Friends That Garden Together, Grow Together: How to Start or Join a Community Garden

Friends That Garden Together, Grow Together: How to Start or Join a Community Garden
Community members of all ages can reap the benefits of working in a community garden. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
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Victory gardens in public spaces brought the country together during the food insecurity of World War II, and they can do the same thing today.

From apartment dwellers with no room to grow plants to homeowners with a bountiful backyard, community gardens are about the social aspect as much as the resulting fruits and vegetables. They beautify neighborhoods, instill a sense of pride, inspire local homeownership, reduce stress, promote a sense of well-being, increase fitness, improve dietary habits, and teach self-sustaining guidelines, all while providing fresh, affordable produce. It’s a healthy outdoor activity for all ages that can be created by a nonprofit organization, club, charity, municipality, private landowner—and everyday people like you.

Be a Joiner

The easiest way to get started is to join an existing community garden. But be aware that many popular garden spots fill up in early spring, and some uber-popular locations have a waiting list. In that case, you’ve got two options: Search out another garden slightly further away from home or start your own. Another reason to start your own is if there are no convenient community gardens in your neighborhood at all.
Sandy Lindsey
Sandy Lindsey
Author
Sandy Lindsey is an award-winning writer who covers home, gardening, DIY projects, pets, and boating. She has two books with McGraw-Hill.
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