Urban horticulture

**Historical Evolution**:
– Horticulture integrated into human civilization during the establishment of cities
– Cities built with market gardens and farms during the neolithic revolution
– Urban horticulture studies increased with the industrial revolution and spread to farmers
– Built environment integrated with cultivation like gardens, farms, and grazing lands
– Industrial revolution led to the replacement of green spaces with brick and asphalt

**Post World War II Trends**:
– Urban horticulture declined post-WWII with a focus shifting to suburbs
– Garden projects initiated by public housing authorities in 1950s-60s for beautification
– Businesses leaving metropolitan areas led to wastelands and segregated poverty
– Disinvestment in major city centers increased vacant lots and abandoned buildings
– Modern community gardening emerged to battle urban decay and promote food security

**Modern Community Garden Movement**:
– Community gardens in the 21st century focus on cleaning neighborhoods and promoting food growth
– Gardens foster social engagement and events, rebuilding local community spirit
– Movement supported by neighborhoods, governments, and non-profits
– Community gardens differ from grand parks, offering more engagement and benefits
– American Community Gardening Association estimates gardening programs in 250 cities

**Benefits of Urban Horticulture**:
– Horticulture contributes to social, human, and financial well-being
– Nature positively impacts human health, reducing fatigue and irritation
– Gardening provides physical and mental health benefits, reduces stress
– Gardening is a low-impact exercise that can help reduce weight and improve health
– Access to urban gardens promotes health through nutritious plantings and outdoor activity

**Challenges and Economic Benefits**:
– Lack of concrete analysis of current urban gardens and their organizations
– Urban horticulture components include community gardens, market gardens, and farmers markets
– Food security movement prioritizes locally grown food for low-cost, nutritious options
– Urban horticulture addresses issues of industrial agriculture and related problems
– Economic benefits include saving money on food purchases, reducing heating and cooling costs, increasing property value, and creating employment opportunities.