RESEARCH
A systematic review of the health and well-being impacts of school gardening: synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence
Summary
This review examines the impact of school gardening programs on the health and well-being of students. School gardening has become increasingly popular worldwide, with many believing it can improve children’s health, social skills, and academic performance. The review looks at both quantitative and qualitative studies to understand how these programs affect students’ physical and mental health, as well as their attitudes towards healthy eating. It also explores factors that help or hinder the success of these programs, such as funding and community involvement.
The review found that while qualitative studies suggest school gardens have a wide range of benefits, including improved well-being and social skills, the quantitative evidence is less robust. For example, some studies indicate that students who struggle in traditional classroom settings may particularly benefit from gardening activities. However, challenges like lack of funding and reliance on volunteers can threaten the sustainability of these programs. The review concludes that more rigorous quantitative research is needed to fully support the benefits suggested by qualitative studies.
