Sustainable Community Gardening
Organic gardening encourages methods that work with the
environment, rather than manipulating it. Growing methods that reduce diseases and insect infestations are practiced. This is achieved through balanced soil
biology, mulching, plant stress reduction methods, beneficial plants, and
attraction of beneficial insects.
A garden that uses these practices creates a learning
laboratory for children, youth, and adults.
It will also generate seeds that are stable and reliable, thus creating
a local strain. If crop rotation is
used, it will actually help build the soil year after year. The practice of planting “green manure”
plants at the end of the growing season will build organic matter into the
soil, functioning as natural fertilizer.
A well-designed organic garden is an attractive addition to
our local community. It offers community
service opportunities, and functions as an outdoor classroom for community
members and school students. It is the
centerpiece for an educational opportunity to learn organic methods and
contribute to a new understanding of gardening.
And, of course, it generates nutrient-rich and health-giving food to
benefit local residents.
Consider the benefits ofcommunity gardening:
- Encourages social interaction
- Preserves green space
- Produces nutritious food
- Reduces family food budgets
- Provides opportunities for inter-generational connections
- Educational enrichment through the ‘outdoor classroom’
- Conserves resources
- Promotes environmental stewardship
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