Community gardens can be as small as a tomato patch in front of a church or as large as an entire vacant lot. You can find community gardens at schools, community centers and parks. These gardens provide healthy free produce for those who can’t afford it, teach gardening skills to children and teens and bring neighbors together to work on a project that benefits everyone.
Victory Gardens
Americans were encouraged to plant “victory gardens” during World Wars I and II due to rationing and as a way to raise spirits and help people feel that they were helping the country by being self-sufficient. World War II took place in an era when many people had stopped growing their own food and started relying on grocery stores. The war forced younger people to turn back to a lifestyle close to that of their parents’ generation. It became commonplace to use methods other than electricity for light and heat and to mend old clothes rather than buying new garments. The victory garden reminded people that a fully stocked supermarket wasn’t always a guarantee. Many people continued to garden after the end of World War II.
The Advent of the Community Garden
The concept of the community garden was born in New York City in the 1960s and may have had origins in the victory garden; however, community gardens have largely been an element of urban areas. They share attributes with victory gardens. Both supplement the food supply and both bring up morale in difficult situations. They differ because victory gardens usually served the needs of one family and were planted in rural and suburban areas. Community gardens meet the needs of everyone in the neighborhood and until recently have been an urban phenomenon. Community gardens were introduced as a food source and a way to improve neighborhoods by making use of abandoned lots. Neighbors bettered the appearance of their block by transforming overgrown spaces into neat gardens, and parents were able to provide fresh vegetables to their children instead of relying solely on cheap canned food. Churches, community centers and schools became sites for gardens that kept children occupied with projects that raised their self-esteem and improved their nutrition.
Modern Community Gardens
Community gardens have become popular again due to the economy and the fact that once again many neighborhoods, including suburban neighborhoods, have abandoned spaces on every block. If a community garden sounds exactly like what your neighborhood needs, contact us. We’ll advise you on the best vegetables and fruits to plant in your area,irrigation methods to keep your neighborhood garden flourishing even during a drought and pest control. We’ll also help you get started by preparing your garden space, and we’ll maintain your irrigation system. Make sure that your community garden is a success by starting with expert assistance, and let us help you throughout the year so that your community garden becomes a permanent fixture of your neighborhood.