What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about community gardening? You may be picturing a patch of land dedicated to growing fruits and veggies collaboratively, or a collection of individual plots.
And you would be correct. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see much more than plants, these spaces are about opportunity. Community gardens have positive impacts on the culture, economy, environment, as well as social and health benefits.
The Value
Community gardens are centered around growing fruits and veggies, but they’re also about nurturing a sense of belonging, sharing knowledge, and building resilience within communities. A perfect example are the community gardens operated by UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. These gardens are located on Pasco and Dade City park properties and the idea behind each was to get the community engaged. These spaces contribute to positive impacts on cultural exchange, urban revitalization, and community resilience and they serve as more than just places to grow plants—they’re dynamic centers of social activity.
From educational workshops to community gatherings, these gardens provide spaces for interaction and social bonding. Whether it’s sharing gardening tips or simply enjoying the company of neighbors and family, this community garden program aims to provide a sense of belonging and connection among participants. These intentional green spaces bring people together and enrich the gardening experience by introducing flavors, techniques, and stories to everyday life.
Speaking of flavor: read the first of our Spice Up Your Life herb series here.
Conclusion
Community gardens are more than just patches of land—they’re places where change happens, and people come together. Community gardens make our society greener, stronger, and more united.
As our world keeps changing, community gardens show us how working together can make a big difference. By planting seeds and looking after the Earth, communities build strong bonds that help them stay strong, even when things get hard. These gardens aren’t just about growing food—they’re about growing resilience and building a better future for everyone.
Supervising agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore County Extension Director, Urban Horticulture Agent, and Master Gardener Coordinator
Have a question?
If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County at 352-518-0156. For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Community Gardens, and how you can join one, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.
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More resources:
- UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
- Dr. Whitney Elmore’s Podcast: Rooted in Florida
- The Value of Community Gardens: Cultural Impact
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