A community garden is really just a shared space where people (a community) gather to grow fruits, flowers, vegetables and, if you ask Stephen Ritz, founder of the Green Bronx Machine, "organically grown citizens" .

All community gardens have one thing in common: they rely on every member of the community in order to thrive .

The bonds you'll develop with your fellow gardeners are just as important as the fruits and vegetables that your garden produces--so cherish those bonds as much as you do your perfect produce!

Growing a community garden has many additional benefits:

1. There's the obvious health benefits, which include a healthy shot of physical activity, probably a good dose of fresh air, and some home-grown veggies to put in your belly.
2. There's the environmental reasons, which include reducing your carbon footprint, less unconscious consumption of highly processed foods, and a renewed connection to the environment.
3. How about the simple economic reasons (growing your own food might, after all be a really great way to save on your grocery bill),
4. Or maybe you're just looking to beautify your neighbourhood by reclaiming unused urban space.
5. Depending on the size and scope of your garden, you may also be able to have a powerful impact on the lives of the less fortunate members in your community.
6. Regaining and tapping into our sense of curiosity as you learn more about growing food and flowers and the people in your community.

And all that's needed to get started is YOU.