How Gardening in Detroit Influences Physical and Mental Health

Alyssa W. Beavers, Ashley Atkinson, Lauren M. Varvatos, Mary Connolly and Katherine Alaimo
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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
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
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
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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-11

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.

Keywords: mental health; gardening; physical health; urban gardening; urban health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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