Twenty community garden programs in upstate New York (representing 63 gardens) were surveyed to identify
characteristics that may be useful to facilitate neighborhood development and health promotion. The most
commonly expressed reasons for participating in gardens were access to fresh foods, to enjoy nature, and health
bene®ts. Gardens in low-income neighborhoods (46%) were four times as likely as non low-income gardens to lead
to other issues in the neighborhood being addressed; reportedly due to organizing facilitated through the community
gardens. Additional research on community gardening can improve our understanding of the interaction of social
and physical environments and community health, and eective strategies for empowerment, development, and
health promotion. 7 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.