RESEARCH

Evidence on the Contribution of Community Gardens to Promote Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being of Non-Institutionalized Individuals: A Systematic Review

This review suggests that community gardens are associated with health benefits for their users, making them an affordable and efficient way to promote physical and mental well-being. Community gardeners exhibited better overall health, improved mental well-being and increased social connections.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Physical Health

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Free

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Summary

This research investigates the role of community gardens in promoting the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The study is a systematic review of existing literature, focusing on quantitative studies that examine the health outcomes associated with community gardening. The review analyzes whether community gardening is linked to improved physical and mental health and explores if it causes any physical discomfort to participants.

The review included eight eligible studies, most of which were rated as having good methodological quality. The studies showed that community gardeners generally had better health outcomes compared to their non-gardening neighbors. These benefits included higher life satisfaction, happiness, and better general and mental health, as well as increased social cohesion. The study also highlights that community gardens can be an affordable and effective way to promote both physical and mental health, irrespective of age.

Link

Lampert, T., Costa, J., Santos, O. et al. (2021). Evidence on the contribution of community gardens to promote physical and mental health and well-being of non-institutionalized individuals: A systematic review. PLoS One, 16(8), e0255621.

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