Research on Community Gardens

Title

A survey of community gardens in upstate New York: Implications for health promotion and community development Donna Armstrong University at Albany SUNY, Department of Epidemiology, SPH, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144-3456, USA

Abstract

Twenty community garden programs in upstate New York (representing 63 gardens) were surveyed to identify characteristics that may be useful to facilitate neighborhood development and health promotion. The most commonly expressed reasons for participating in gardens were access to fresh foods, to enjoy nature, and health benefits. Gardens in low-income neighborhoods (46%) were four times as likely as non low-income gardens to lead to other issues in the neighborhood being addressed; reportedly due to organizing facilitated through the community gardens. Additional research on community gardening can improve our understanding of the interaction of social and physical environments and community health, and effective strategies for empowerment, development, and health promotion. References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article. Title: The influence of gardening activities on consumer perceptions of life satisfaction Personal Authors: Waliczek, T. M., Zajicek, J. M., Lineberger, R. D. Department of Agriculture, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA. Abstract: A survey based on the Life Satisfaction Inventory A (LSIA) was used to investigate gardeners’ and nongardeners’ perceptions of life satisfaction. The LSIA was developed in 1961 by Neugarten and measures five components of quality of life including zest for life, resolution and fortitude, congruence between desired and achieved goals, high physical, psychological and social self-concept, and a happy optimistic mood tone. The survey was posted for four months on one of the largest online resources for Texas Master Gardeners within the Aggie Horticulture network, the Texas Master Gardener Web page (http:aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/mastergd/mg.html). During the 4 months, 402 responses were gathered. Additionally, identical ‘paper/pencil’ format surveys were distributed to garden, church, social and community groups with about 400 responses received. In each group of participants, respondents differentiated themselves as gardeners or nongardeners by responding positively or negatively to the survey question, Do you garden? Results indicated statistically significant differences in comparisons of the overall life satisfaction scores with gardeners receiving higher mean scores indicating more positive results on the LSIA. When responses to individual statements were analyzed, results indicated statistically significant differences on 20% of the statements. Differences were detected on statements relating to energy levels, optimism, zest for life, and physical self-concept with gardeners answering more positively on all statements when compared to nongardeners’ responses. Additionally, gardeners rated their overall health and their physical activity levels higher than did nongardeners. Publisher: American Society for Horticultural Science