NRPA: Gardening Is Important for Communities

Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults have gardened in their lifetime, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

Whether growing vegetables or flowers, many park and recreation agencies provide community gardens for all to enjoy. Access to community gardens provides people without the space or means to grow plants where they live that opportunity. More than 33 million people have taken part in community gardening.

Key Findings:

• Nearly three in four (74%) U.S. adults have gardened.
• Outdoor container gardening (48%) and in-ground gardening (48%) are the most popular gardening methods.
• Nearly two in three (64%) baby boomers have tried in-ground gardening, much more than their younger peers (Gen Xers 47%, millennials 41% and Gen Zers 31%).
• Gen Zers and millennials (15% and 16%, respectively) are more likely to have utilized community gardens than their older peers, with 7% of Gen X and just 3% baby boomers reporting to have done this.
• One in 10 U.S. adults have participated in community gardening either through their local parks and recreation, home owners association or other.

“Access to fresh foods and the ability to garden is important to overall wellness,” said Melissa May, NRPA senior manager of research. “Gardening provides so many benefits to communities and we are thankful for the many parks and recreation agencies who provide spaces to garden for those who are not otherwise able to at their home.”