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How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health

Author

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  • Alyssa W. Beavers

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, G.M. Trout FSHN Building, 469 Wilson Rd #204, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
    Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Science Hall, 5045 Cass Ave #3225, Detroit, MI 48201, USA)

  • Ashley Atkinson

    (Keep Growing Detroit, Detroit, 1445 Adelaide St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA)

  • Lauren M. Varvatos

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, G.M. Trout FSHN Building, 469 Wilson Rd #204, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
    School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA)

  • Mary Connolly

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, G.M. Trout FSHN Building, 469 Wilson Rd #204, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
    Pediatric Diabetes, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Katherine Alaimo

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, G.M. Trout FSHN Building, 469 Wilson Rd #204, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

Gardening has the potential to improve health by providing access to nature, vegetables, and physical activity. However, scarce research exists on the health impacts of gardening on racial and ethnic minority urban populations in the United States. This study used qualitative interviews to examine the perceived physical and mental health effects of gardening in a primarily African American sample of 28 gardeners. Prominent physical health impacts attributed to gardening included providing an enjoyable source of activity, management of chronic diseases, and improved physical functioning. Participants also reported that gardening improved their mood, relieved stress, was an important part of their spirituality, contributed to their personal growth, and provided an opportunity for helping others. These findings suggest that gardening may improve physical and mental health among diverse groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Alyssa W. Beavers & Ashley Atkinson & Lauren M. Varvatos & Mary Connolly & Katherine Alaimo, 2022. "How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7899-:d:849424
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson & Sarah Kelly & Marion Kennedy & John W. Cherrie, 2019. "A Scoping Review Mapping Research on Green Space and Associated Mental Health Benefits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-49, June.
    2. Robin Kortright & Sarah Wakefield, 2011. "Edible backyards: a qualitative study of household food growing and its contributions to food security," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 28(1), pages 39-53, February.
    3. Litt, J.S. & Soobader, M.-J. & Turbin, M.S. & Hale, J.W. & Buchenau, M. & Marshall, J.A., 2011. "The influence of social involvement, neighborhood aesthetics, and community garden participation on fruit and vegetable consumption," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1466-1473.
    4. Masashi Soga & Daniel T. C. Cox & Yuichi Yamaura & Kevin J. Gaston & Kiyo Kurisu & Keisuke Hanaki, 2017. "Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological Well-Being and Social Integration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.
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