In today’s world, productivity often overshadows health and well-being. Between work, family obligations, and the pace of modern life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. Finding balance is essential.
One unexpected remedy has been right in front of us all along: gardening.
During the events of 2020, many people sought solace in cultivating gardens and tending houseplants. As the world slowed down, people rediscovered something ancient and grounding: the power of nurturing life with their own hands.
The Mission Behind Pasco County’s Community Gardens
To support this reconnection with nature, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County’s Community Gardens Program, created by Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, was designed to help low-income communities build and sustain food-producing gardens. With support from team members Chris Carreiro, Bell Olsen, and Jody Moore, the program has made community gardening accessible to residents throughout the county.
Plants are essential to our well-being, and growing and consuming them has positive physical and mental impacts. Humans have always been connected to the natural world, and even today, that connection has proven benefits.
The Problem: Space and Resources Are Limited
Although many people want to grow their own food, they simply lack the space or means to start a garden at home. The Community Gardens Program addresses this gap.
As Chris explains,
“In our Community Gardens Program, we strive to make both space and knowledge readily available.”
By offering land, tools, guidance, and support, the program aims to build confidence, increase productivity, and deepen residents’ understanding of raised-bed and community gardening.
The Farmden Project: Growing Food and Growing Community
The same challenges that inspired the Community Gardens Program also led to the creation of the Farmden Project, located at the Pasco Extension satellite office in Dade City called the One Stop Shop. Farmden functions as both a food pantry and a production garden, maximizing yields in a small space to support the community.
Chris, Jody, and Bell grow a wide variety of fresh produce on-site and donate it directly to the pantry, providing nutritious food to those who need it most while cultivating a sense of community and resilience.
The project is supported by Pasco County, along with generous donations from residents, businesses, Pasco County BOCC and Parks and Recreation, and organizations. This combined support strengthens efforts to reduce food insecurity.
Donors have become the lifeblood of the movement. It’s simple and secure to donate by calling UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Office at 352-518-0156. Team members can provide quick options for those wishing to be a part of this important program, including the pantry. Every donation helps no matter how large or small.
Why Community Gardening Matters
Community gardens offer more a lot more than fresh produce. Benefits include:
- Access to fresh, nutritious food
- Opportunities for physical activity
- Stress reduction and mental rejuvenation
- Lower grocery costs
- Stronger community connections
- Recreational opportunities with family and friends
Participants also learn about seasonal crops, planting methods, soil care, and sustainable practices.
Dr. Elmore reflects on the garden at Elsie Logan:
“Our garden is surrounded by pollinator plants, which adds beauty and a fresh, lively atmosphere to a space previously devoid of plants other than utilitarian turf. It’s a beautiful area where citizens can grow their own veggies, connect with nature, and learn to appreciate the butterflies, birds, other animals, and plants in a safe, vibrant environment.”
Growing and Knowing: Education for Everyone
Alongside fresh produce, the program offers gardening, cooking, and nutrition classes to anyone seeking to improve their food-growing skills.
Learning how to grow food is more than a hobby; it’s a life skill that strengthens self-sufficiency and resilience, especially during challenging times. Dr. Elmore recalls a moment from the height of the pandemic:
“I never will forget the individual who told me how our garden saved her life. She had lost her job, had children, was isolated, and depressed. The garden gave her purpose, food, and hope.”
The Impact on Community Wellness
Residents who participate in the gardens benefit from greater access to fresh foods, which supports healthier diets and reduces the risk of diet-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge, as approximately 14% of Pasco residents lack reliable access to nutritious food (Tampa Bay Times, 2017). Community gardens directly address this need.
And the impact doesn’t stop at Pasco County. With the help of a benefactor, Dr. Elmore is working to expand the Community Gardens Program to additional counties across Florida.
Conclusion
By empowering participants with information, these gardens become more than just patches of soil. These spaces facilitate healthier lifestyles and stronger communities, while decreasing food costs for residents.
Check out our community garden locations:
- J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex
2830 Gulf Trace Blvd.
Holiday, FL 34691 - Heritage Park
5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd,
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 - Elise Logan Memorial Park
15830 Greenglen Ln,
Shady Hills, FL 34610 - Watson Park
37201 Main Ave
Dade City, FL 33523 - Wesley Chapel District Park
7727 Boyette Rd
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
Have a question?
If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact 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.
Co-Author: Dr. Whitney C. Elmore
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Resources
References:
- Qui, J., & Hui, Z. (2021). FOR390/FR46: Understanding Ecosystem Services From Urban Agriculture. #FOR390. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR461#TOP
- Tampa Bay Times. (2017, June 21). Unused County Property in Pasco Could Soon Sprout Community Gardens.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/unused-county-property-in-pasco-could-soon-sprout-community-gardens/2327946/
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