Urban Community Gardeners’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Soil Contaminant Risks

Urban community gardens-gardens tended by multiple households in an urban neighborhood-may offer a range of benefits. Studies have observed associations between community gardening and health [1]–[8], social [6], [9], and economic benefits [6], [7], [10], and gardening in general has been associated with cardiovascular [11], [12] and mental [13]–[15] health benefits. Historically, backyard and community gardens have made substantial contributions to the food supply; World War II “Victory Gardens” have been credited with providing an estimated 40% of the U.S. vegetable supply [16]. In urban settings, community gardens-and urban green spaces in general-may confer an additional set of social benefits [17]–[20] and ecosystem services [21], [22]. Urban green spaces also provide educational opportunities for urban residents, for whom parks and gardens may be their primary source of experience, knowledge, and valuation of nature.