Definition of community garden

The phrase "community garden" can traces its roots back to the late nineteenth century in response to the increasing urbanization of cities. In many densely populated urban areas, land that was once used for agriculture was being swallowed up by growing urban development. As a result, many people living in cities were cut off from the opportunity to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, often resulting in poor nutrition and health consequences. In response, community activists and urban farmers began to propose the idea of community gardens – shared green spaces where people could come together to grow fresh produce, form connections, and promote sustainability. The first documented community garden was established in New York City in 1857, and since then, the concept of community gardens has spread to many urban areas around the world. At their core, community gardens serve as vibrant hubs of community engagement, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship, bringing people from diverse backgrounds and cultures together around the common goal of nourishing themselves and their communities.