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Citizen science reveals urban gardeners' views, habits

A study by the University of Florida explores theattitudes and behaviors of urban home gardeners through the lens of citizen science, offering fresh insights into how gardening is embraced in cities and its broader implications for community and environmental well-being.

The paper is in the journal HortTechnology.

Urban gardening has gained significant traction as a way to connect with nature, grow food, and enhance green spaces in densely populated areas. This study leverages citizen science—where gardeners contribute data and observations—to better understand motivations, challenges, and the environmental awareness of urban gardeners. Citizen science allows researchers to collect data at a scale and breadth that would not be possible if the data collection had been limited to research teams.

Key findings reveal that urban gardeners are motivated by a combination of personal enjoyment, sustainability, and a desire to contribute to local biodiversity. Participants highlighted challenges such as limited space, pest management, and access to resources, yet expressed a strong commitment to gardening as a means of improving their quality of life and supporting urban ecosystems.

Participating in citizen science programs focused on home gardening improves attitudes and beliefs about gardening, increasing the likelihood of future participation, according to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The study found significant growth in participants' normative beliefs, reflecting how much others support home gardening. Future programs can enhance these effects by fostering interaction among participants and encouraging them to share their experiences with friends and family. However, the study also noted limited improvements in self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control, emphasizing the need for programs to provide practical tools, resources, and information to help participants feel confident in their ability to succeed in home gardening.

The study also underscores the value of citizen science in fostering community connections and empowering individuals to engage in environmental stewardship. By involving gardeners directly in research, the initiative enhances understanding of urban gardening trends while inspiring sustainable practices.

According to the author, "This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between horticulture and social science. By bringing together diverse expertise and engaging citizen scientists, we've not only expanded our understanding of new plant varieties but also empowered home gardeners to cultivate their own food, boosting self-sufficiency and confidence along the way."