Helping to foster healthy eating habits among children and adolescents in Tampa Bay
Simple to Maintain: Vertical gardens are simple to maintain because they are smaller and do not grow weeds. Since the plants are in their individual holes, they do not merge together resulting in healthier food.
Maximize small space: Since the vertical garden goes up instead of sideways, it fits in a smaller space allowing more room for other things and it can fit into small spaces also if land is not big.
Save money on soil and supplies: A minimal amount of soil is needed to fill the water bottles, instead of filling an entire land mass with soil which cost a lot more.
Adds decoration: vertical gardens add an element of beauty that regular gardens do not because it goes up instead of just lying on the ground. One can also paint PVC pipes to add style.
Improve air quality: Allows more air to circulate because the plant's are able to grab bad air from a higher level. The vertical garden acts as an air filter, purifying and eliminating airborne toxins like: benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Affect on the Brain
- Studies have shown that children who garden score higher on science achievement tests than those who do not garden.
- Planting brain-boosting vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that you will be eating to boost brain development
Affect on the Body
- Exercise
- Strengthens immunity and overall health
- Reduces susceptibility to diseases
- Improve gross motor skills and strength
- Promotes healthy diet and therefore, healthy bodies
Affect on the Soul
- Working on a garden promotes team building and good communication skills.
- Gardening gives children a sense of purpose and responsibility.
- It helps improve moods, and decreases anxiety.
Indoor or outdoor: Vertical gardens can be kept indoors or outdoors, which makes them ideal for different living situations.
Less mess: The soil is contained in bottles, meaning there is less chance of it spreading or being moved around.
Increase accessibility: Since the plants are vertical, they are easier to reach. This is beneficial for both children - who are smaller - and the elderly, who will not have to bend down.
