Safe community gardening practices: focus groups with garden leaders in Atlanta, Georgia

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Candis M. Hunter, Emory University; Dana HZ Williamson, Emory University; Melanie Pearson, Emory University; Eri Saikawa, Emory University; Matthew Gribble, Emory University; Michelle Kegler, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2019-11-13
• Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: 2019
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2019.1688268
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 18
• End Page: 35
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by Emory University Laney Graduate School Professional Development Funds and Emory HERCULES Exposome Research Center (NIEHS #P30 ES019776).
• Keywords: Regional & Urban Planning; soil contaminants; Social Sciences; URBAN AGRICULTURE; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; PLANNED BEHAVIOR; EXPOSURE; Environmental Studies; METALS; Community gardens; urban agriculture; CADMIUM; beliefs; Theory of Planned behavior; Public Administration; INTENTION; HEALTH; NEW-YORK; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Science & Technology; Science & Technology - Other Topics; SOIL LEAD; environmental psychology; Urban Studies; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Geography; BIOAVAILABILITY
• Research Categories: Environmental Sciences; Geography

Abstract

Although best management practices have been recommended by government agencies and non-profit organisations to reduce community gardeners’ potential exposure to soil contaminants such as lead, some gardeners do not perform these practices. Understanding gardeners’ beliefs and motivations is critical for effective promotion of safer gardening practices. This study, grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), employed five focus groups to investigate Atlanta community garden leaders’ perspectives concerning three gardening practices: composting, hygiene behaviours, and mulching. These general practices are also considered safe gardening practices in that they can reduce exposure to toxicants in urban gardens. Qualitative analysis identified advantages and disadvantages; supporters and non-supporters; and barriers and facilitators that might influence gardeners’ opinions regarding these behaviours. Gardeners expressed that more funding, volunteers, and training are needed to promote these behaviours. Gardeners noted that mulch and compost provided advantages such as improving soil quality, but a primary barrier was concern about contamination of source materials. Focus group participants did not directly associate composting and mulching with reduction of exposure to soil contaminants. Behavioural challenges related to hygiene included concerns about decreased exposure to salubrious bacteria, inadequate access to potable water, and limited availability of gloves and wipes. These study findings characterise factors that community garden stakeholders should consider when promoting safe gardening practices and interventions.