The contribution of allotment gardening to health and wellbeing: A systematic review of the literature

Genter, Chris; Roberts, Anne; Richardson, Janet; Sheaff, Michael

doi:10.1177/0308022615599408

Cited by 141 publications

(120 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…There is increasing awareness among researchers and health practitioners of the potential health benefits derived from gardening activities (Clatworthy et al, 2013, Genter et al, 2015, Wang and MacMillan, 2013). Indeed, previous studies have shown that gardening increases individual's life satisfaction, vigor, psychological wellbeing, positive affects, sense of community, and cognitive function (Gigliotti and Jarrott, 2005, Gonzalez et al, 2010, van den Berg et al, 2010, Wakefield et al, 2007, Wichrowski et al, 2005, Wood et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite this, surprisingly, to date no meta-analysis has been conducted to assess the consistency of the positive effects of gardening on health. There have recently been two systematic reviews of studies exploring the association between gardening and health (Genter et al, 2015, Wang and MacMillan, 2013). However, since they presented no quantitative synthesis and only focused on health benefits of allotment gardening (Wang and MacMillan, 2013) and for elderly people (Genter et al, 2015), respectively, more comprehensive and convincing evidence is still wanting.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis

Soga

Gaston

Yamaura

2017

Preventive Medicine Reports

469

311

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There is increasing evidence that gardening provides substantial human health benefits. However, no formal statistical assessment has been conducted to test this assertion. Here, we present the results of a meta-analysis of research examining the effects of gardening, including horticultural therapy, on health. We performed a literature search to collect studies that compared health outcomes in control (before participating in gardening or non-gardeners) and treatment groups (after participating in gardening or gardeners) in January 2016. The mean difference in health outcomes between the two groups was calculated for each study, and then the weighted effect size determined both across all and sets of subgroup studies. Twenty-two case studies (published after 2001) were included in the meta-analysis, which comprised 76 comparisons between control and treatment groups. Most studies came from the United States, followed by Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Studies reported a wide range of health outcomes, such as reductions in depression, anxiety, and body mass index, as well as increases in life satisfaction, quality of life, and sense of community. Meta-analytic estimates showed a significant positive effect of gardening on the health outcomes both for all and sets of subgroup studies, whilst effect sizes differed among eight subgroups. Although Egger's test indicated the presence of publication bias, significant positive effects of gardening remained after adjusting for this using trim and fill analysis. This study has provided robust evidence for the positive effects of gardening on health. A regular dose of gardening can improve public health.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis

Soga

Gaston

Yamaura

2017

Preventive Medicine Reports

469

311

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The increased feeling of connection and belonging to their local community contributed to participants feeling less isolated and more supported. This attribute of community gardening is well documented by other studies . Community gardening is recognised as conferring collective efficacy whereby the benefits extend beyond the gardening experience and the garden setting to positively impact broader aspects of individual and community life .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing nutrition and social connection through community gardening: A South Australian study

Mehta

Lopresti

Thomas

2019

Health Prom J of Aust

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Background This research aimed to evaluate the benefits of the community gardening program called ‘‘Magic Harvest (MH)” with respect to its key elements: social interaction; gardening skills; and, healthier eating. The MH program supports community participants to grow food, share produce, prepare and preserve food. Methods Two focus groups were conducted with participants in MH programs in the south of Adelaide, South Australia. The MH programs were located in lower socio‐economic areas. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically. Results Thirteen participants took part in the focus groups and reported gains in community connectedness and shared learning, skills for growing food and healthy eating and making more sustainable food choices. Conclusion This study highlights the social and nutritional benefits that can be derived from a community gardening program in low‐income communities. Health practitioners and policymakers should consider community gardening as an effective health promotion strategy that can address physical and social determinants of health and nutrition for low‐income communities.

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“…A systematic review on the impact of allotment gardening concluded that it has the potential to enhance health and wellbeing through providing five things; a social network, a stress-relieving refuge, a healthier lifestyle, contact with nature and opportunities for personal development (Genter, Roberts, Richardson, & Sheaff, 2015). However, the review highlighted the lack of research in this area, with only ten relevant studies identified.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%