Ever since I was young, my parents and relatives have been planting various types of vegetables in the small garden in my backyard. We have grown winter melons, fuzzy squash, zucchinis, and pumpkins. One of my neighbors down the street spend much of her free time in her garden. However, many of these home gardeners, my parents included, have been unaware about the excess amount of various metals in New York City soils, making it dangerous for people to consume the plants or even to be around the soil. Large amounts of lead can be found in many gardens in the city, which poses a problem for young children if they are exposed to it for too long, a likely situation if they are near the gardens. Metals, such as copper and zinc, are toxic for the plants itself. Since many of the gardeners are unaware of such problems, they cannot take action to protect their gardens from attaining high levels of harmful metals. Thus, it is imperative that the community learn and combat this problem. Community gardens are a great way to create safer gardens and progress neighborhoods to eating a healthier lifestyle.

Community gardens in the city allow for gardens to be supervised at a higher level. It is much safer to rely on having more people care for one garden because experienced farmers can create methods to reduce the amount of harmful metals and other toxins in the soil. Gardens in the city may seem useless because supermarkets with fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. However, many of these “fresh” items become spoiled or rotten through transit, which ranges from about 7 to 14 days to get to the city. Although it seems like there isn’t a lot of space in the city, there are many abandoned, unused lots and areas that can be turned into a garden. In fact, there is an empty range of space on my block that is only used when the MTA are doing construction nearby. Turning empty lots into gardens will create an increase in jobs and provide fresh produce, such as roots plants, leafy greens, and fruits, for the neighborhood. It also reduces the amount of preservatives in the produces, making it better, healthier option than those at the supermarket. Having community gardens throughout the five boroughs allow for everyone to have accessible, healthier foods. It is a cheaper option compared to the organic foods in the supermarket, even affordable to low-income families. Aside from eating healthier foods, community gardens are a way for people to reduce stress and exercise in their free time.

Rather than having individual home gardens, having community gardens may be a benefit for the city. New York City have abandoned lots that can be put to good use to create community gardens, which can benefit the community’s overall physical health.

Sources:

http://www.gardeningmatters.org/sites/default/files/Multiple%20Benefits_2012.pdf

http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/Metals_Urban_Garden_Soils.pdf