Perceived functions of allotment gardens and their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland

Abstract

This article describes the changes taking place in the functions of allotment gardens, their perceived value, reasons for purchasing allotments and subjective (self-reported) assessments of their importance during the pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 203 owners of allotment gardens located in three highly urbanised cities in the Silesian Voivodeship (Southern Poland). Semi-structured questionnaires and non-standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. The results demonstrate that the respondents aged above 61 years (38.5%) have observed a generational change in the function of allotments, from cultivating fruits and vegetables to recreational purposes. Regardless of age, the owners of allotment gardens did not notice any technological progress or new crops. The young respondents (21–30 years) treated allotment gardens as an investment (36.7%), while the respondents aged below 20 years and over 61 years declared that the greatest benefits of allotment gardening are improved health and growing one’s own fruits and vegetables. The respondents aged over 41 years (25.9%) also pointed out the importance of growing their own produce. Allotments were especially important during the pandemic as a private space free from COVID-related restrictions. Extended interviews with the respondents revealed that allotment gardening was perceived as a coping strategy for the stress generated during the lockdown. This study showed that allotment gardens are important sites not only for food production but also for maintaining mental health, social capital and environmental engagement.

Perceived COVID-19-related stress drives home gardening intentions and improves human health in Taiwan

“…This result was similar to that of Gerdes et al (2022) , showing that respondents with 15 years of experience had lower anxiety levels. Young respondents in their twenties consider gardening an investment, while the elderly consider gardening a health improvement and recreational function from growing fruits and vegetables ( Janus et al, 2022 ). The group with 3–4 days of free time produced the highest benefits, which may also be associated with the effect of age.…”

“…, [36] , [33] ) and obtained gardening benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic ( [13.] , [25] , [35] , [28] , [59] ). Owing to the strict home-based prevention policies in Taiwan, outdoor and natural activities have been restricted.…”

“…Stress reduction was found to be the primary benefit of home gardening in the COVID-19 pandemic ( [13.] , [25] , [35] , [28] , [59] ). Therefore, the first question is: Does the pandemic’s perceived stress affect home-gardening intentions for the requirement of stress reduction?…”

“…, [23] , [15.] , [31] , [36] , [25] , [41] , [43] , [55] , [59] ). Community gardens provide social support after disasters ( Shimpo et al, 2019 ).…”

Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis – A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context

“… 76.4% of children and adolescents reported that spending time outside in nature helped them to deal with stress caused by physical distancing, which translated to mitigated declines in subjective well-being (M = −0.39, SD = 0.73) and self-reported mental health (M = −0.35, SD = 0.89), compared to the ones not reporting those benefits (M = −0.70, SD = 0.87; M = −0.54, SD = 0.90). Janus, Szewczyk-Taranek, and Smrokowska-Reichmann (2022) , Poland Allotment garden owners (203, largest age group 41–50 years (28.6%), 49%) NR Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative/qualitative, online survey Investigate value and reasons for purchasing allotment gardens during COVID-19 Gardens Questions about perceived value and reasons for gardening Perceived value Questions about perceived value and reasons for gardening Relaxation was the most frequently reported benefit of a home garden across age groups (33–70% agreement) except in the <20 year-olds and 61-70 year-olds. For <20 year-olds and 61-70 year-olds, growing fruit and vegetables was most frequently reported (38% and 35% agreement, respectively).…”