RESEARCH

Motivations for Urban Front Gardening: A Quantitative Analysis

This study examined the motivations behind urban gardening in England via surveys and statistical analysis.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigated motivations for urban gardening through an online survey of 1,000 urban/suburban residents in England. The researchers conducted exploratory factor analysis and regression analyses on the survey data to identify and structure motivations for front gardening.

The survey collected socio-demographic information and measured time spent front gardening and the percentage of greenery in front gardens. It included 20 items related to gardening motivations. Factor analysis revealed three main motivational factors: enjoyment, meaning and benefit (intrinsic); creating something beautiful (aesthetic); and functional outcomes (utilitarian). A multiple regression model incorporating these factors and socio-demographic variables explained 11% of the variance in time spent front gardening, with intrinsic motivations being the strongest predictor. The study also found that intrinsic motivations were stronger for women than for men.

Link

Murtagh, N., & Frost, R. (2023). Motivations for urban front gardening: A quantitative analysis. Landscape and Urban Planning, 238, 104835.

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