Why Garden?

Why should teens garden?

Mental Health Benefits of Gardening

Research shows that access to green space reduces stress and creates a sense of peace
Gardens in urban communities can reduce crime up to 30%
Teens who garden can reduce stress and anxiety with a connection to nature
Teens who garden can achieve benefits that help with ADHD or anxiety and depression
In a "world overwhelmed with technology and social media, spending time in a garden may bring simplicity, relaxation, and connection with peers" (Chawla, Keena, Peved, and Stanley, 2014).
Gardening is an activity that teaches responsibility with a final outcome that is easy to see and be proud of, building self esteem.

Health Benefits of Gardening

In our garden, we will grow fruit, vegetable, and flowers. We will explore the different ways to eat and cook the food we grow, AS WELL AS sell our produce to restaurants or juice markets
"Eating fruits and vegetables--even antioxidant-rich tomatoes, melons beets, cabble, and berries--turns out to be only half of a newly evolving story of health. Our bodies and brains depend on the whole experience of growing our own. Our mental and physical health seem to be deeply rooted in the dirt." (Marano)

Career Benefits of Gardening

In this pathway, you will learn the following skills that can be useful in a health or science field, or even as an entrepreneur or business-related career INCLUDING:

How to build and design a garden bed
Project management skills
Working as a team to cultivate a community garden
Learning individual responsibility and commitment to a project
Taking responsibiity to nurture and cultivate your own plants
Creating a business plan to sell your produce (fruits, flowers, and vegetables) to outside restaurants or buyers
Having the professional skills to work with outside buyers and deliver your product
Developing skills to work with the community of West Oak Lane to create a sustainable community garden (end goal)
Exposure to nutrition sciences.

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