Our study revealed that the microbial biodiversity of plants with or without pesticide use does not differ significantly. This finding has important implications for managing community gardens, such as the Lafayette Community Garden, and contributes to broader soil research. By demonstrating that pesticide use does not negatively impact microbial diversity, community gardens can make informed decisions about balancing pest control with maintaining soil health. This is particularly crucial as microbial biodiversity is a key indicator of soil resilience and plant productivity (Saleem et al., 2019). Moreover, our findings align with research suggesting that soil microbial communities are remarkably adaptable to certain chemical interventions (Cho et al., 2020). However, the lack of significant differences in microbial diversity does not diminish the need to assess other potential impacts of pesticide use, such as long-term changes in soil structure or pH levels (Spadotto et al., 2017). Understanding these dynamics ensures that community gardens can sustainably manage resources while optimizing crop yields for their communities.