Healthy urban gardening

Abstract

City-dwellers are increasingly using derelict land to cultivate vegetables together with other local residents. Like the more traditional allotments, these non-commercial 'community gardens' can contribute to public health and the quality of the neighbourhood. They provide an opportunity for physical exercise and allow people to consume homegrown fruit and vegetables. There are also indications that community gardens reduce stress while offering opportunities for social contacts. In this way, they can help to prevent health problems, although the risks of possible soil contamination and air pollution must be kept to a minimum. Urban gardens are part of a general trend towards more parks and green areas in cities, consumption of organic, locally grown products, and a closer relationship with one's own living environment. These gardens are therefore relevant to government policy on public health and the human environment, and can help to address societal challenges such as healthy ageing. These are some of the conclusions of a study of the relevant literature conducted by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The findings will be used for several purposes, including research into the functions of urban gardens in various European countries. The study also lists the indicators which can be used to measure each of the different health impacts. The authors recommend the use of consistent measurement methods to ensure international comparability of findings, and to gain further insight into the possible contributions that urban gardens can make to urban liveability and therefore to public health.