More than a garden

Carrots come in a range of colors.

Sure, the food that is harvested from a garden is probably the main objective for most gardeners, but with a moment of reflection you can get far more out of a garden than just food. The act of gardening itself could be as rewarding as the crops you harvest.

Back in 2020, a year that some might want to forget, local, state and federal governments responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by shutting down tens of thousands of schools, programs and events across America. Here in Marion County, some of us chose to promote the use of gardening as a means to reestablish a sense of normalcy, stability and community, despite the events unfolding outside the garden space.

Strawberries at various stages of development.

The UF/IFAS Marion County Extension office formalized this concept and created the Victory 2020 Garden Community, which was based on the Victory Gardens implemented during World War I and World War II. This project involved more than 2,000 participants and had a positive impact not only in the United States but also in countries worldwide. The project also made it clear that gardening provided far more than simply the crops that were harvested.

Participants reported notable benefits across a range of metrics beyond just crop yield. They improved their diets by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, increased their physical activity, enhanced their mental health and refined their gardening skills. The culmination of all these factors led to an overall improvement in the well-being of those who engaged in gardening. Fortunately, these participants’ gardening experience can be continued in the future.

Lettuce in a garden bed.

The future in front of us is mainly built upon what has been learned, for better or worse, from the past. The most common way we transmit our experiences to future generations is through culture and shared activities. Gardening is undoubtedly one of the activities that you can readily share with others. The garden itself can also convey culture through the specific crops chosen and the preparation of foods from the garden. Unique crops from around the world can have profound cultural significance and rich histories tied to each one.

Most crops we grow today were domesticated thousands of years ago. Amazingly, in an unbroken chain from generation to generation, each planting, growing and harvesting brought these crops to us. Once these gifts reach us, in a way, we have a duty to pass on the good things we receive to the next generation. Planting a garden subtly conveys hope for the future, and that, with care, something good is waiting for you.

Tiger swallowtail on zinnias.

On the other hand, gardening can be a healing, peaceful activity for those who desire solitude. Being alone in a garden could be a time for introspection and contemplation, attending to the simple needs of plants. It could be a place away from an attention-grabbing computer or phone, where you can pause and appreciate the many beautiful things around you.

A garden does not always need to be a food garden; it can be a pollinator garden that attracts busy bees and beautiful butterflies. A garden can be simply for your own enjoyment, with no other purpose.

In an increasingly urbanized world, many people are now several generations removed from any firsthand farm experience; however, understanding where your food comes from remains essential. Just a few generations ago, it was not uncommon for gardens to be a significant source of food for families. Gardening, while certainly not the same as farming, can still help us to appreciate where our food comes from and the challenges involved in that process.

Watermelon developing.

A garden can also help the gardener understand that our food system is not guaranteed. Crop failures can happen for a myriad of reasons, and there are many steps between harvesting and the grocery store. A productive garden can contribute to food security in the event of disruptions to our national or even global food system.

While many gardeners may view an abundant harvest as the best metric for success, you could also argue that any garden, so long as you enjoy the experience, is a successful garden.

For gardening questions or inquiries about upcoming classes, reach out to the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension office at (352) 671-8400 or email [email protected]

Carpenter bee, an excellent pollinator, on a passion flower.