Why children in cities need to garden

Urbanization is a positive indicator of a country’s growth in wealth and development, yet it is also a step back in terms of being an unsupportive environment for people’s well-being, especially children. According to a study conducted by Aarhus University in Denmark, “children who grow up in less green environments have up to 55 percent higher risk of developing mental disorders later in life than those who grow up in greener spots” (Hill). Other studies argue that children don’t have to wait till they are adults to experience these issues as many are already suffering from mental health issues simply by living in urban areas (Duke University). According to Mary Miguel, a writer and researcher, living in cities negatively impacts children’s well-being because of the disconnect they feel with people around them, as well as to their parents who are kept busy in the fast-paced lives that a city demands for.

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A possible solution to helping children feel more connected to the world and to themselves in a city, is to get them to participate in gardening activities. It is well documented in research that gardening helps to reduce stress and anxiety by allowing people to reconnect back to the natural world. Moreover, gardening is especially important for children to get involved with because it sparks their curiosity, teaches them valuable lessons and makes them take a break from technology (ironically), which all contributes to a higher level of well-being (Jackson). Hence, the practice of growing foods in an urban setting has lots of great benefits not only for the natural environment, but also for children by bringing them together to foster new connections that may run as deep as the roots of the vegetables and fruits they sow.

Written by: Hansa Mirpuri