Community gardening is good for the soul

Have you wanted to garden but not had the opportunity? Do you live in a place that does not have ground space for a garden? Would you like to grow food for yourself or someone else? A community garden may be the answer for you.

A community garden is a piece of land cultivated and cared for by a group of people. This land is used to provide fresh produce, but offers so much more. It is a place to meet neighbors, to work with others for a common purpose and to exercise. In fact, gardening is considered to be a moderate to vigorous intensity exercise. It is exercise that comes with the added benefit of being out in the fresh air and adding fresh vegetables and herbs to your diet.

In fact, studies show that people who grow their own food tend to eat more vegetables and fruits. Eating more vegetables and fruits increases our intake of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. This in turn increases our health.

Gardening is a great family activity, too. It teaches young people life skills such as teamwork and planning. Gardening brings us closer to nature and to our food supply. Just thinking about digging in the warm soil, planting seeds that will sprout into delicious carrots, peas and lettuce makes me even more ready for the ground to thaw!

If you are interested in being a part of a community garden, the Mat-Su District UAF Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a community organizational meeting is at 6 p.m., May 9 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm off Trunk Road.

For more information, contact Julie Cascio at 745-3677.

Julie Cascio is a Health, Home and Family Development agent with the Mat-Su District UAF Cooperative Extension Service.