The Benefits of Home GardensHome gardens are small-scale subsistence agricultural systems set up by households to acquire and supplement their food needs. The garden plots typically comprise of a variety vegetables, fruits, tree crops ornamental plants, medicinal species and livestock [11.Numerous studies have shown that home gardens provide multiple benefits for families with limited resources. These benefits include nutrition, economics, health and agro-ecosystem sustainability.Nutritional BenefitsGardening at home is essential to ensure nutrition security and food security, according to various studies. They can provide a variety nutrients, provide a supplement to staple food and help to reduce "hidden hunger" and prevent disease caused by micronutrient deficiencies as well as improve the standard of living and income of families. They provide ecosystem services and are often utilized to increase resilience of communities in crises.For instance In Java, Indonesia 7% of the time people spend on gardening, and it accounts for 44% of households calories consumed and 32% of their protein intake. This is a much more valuable value than paddy rice, which only accounts for 6percent of a household's total calories consumed.In addition to providing an array of vegetables fruit, tubers, and other vegetables, home gardens supply a significant amount of proteins minerals, vitamins (particularly vitamin C), calcium, iron, folic acid and other micronutrients essential to our diet. This contributes to a balanced diet and enables families to meet their nutritional requirements at a relatively low cost when in comparison to commercial sources of food.Some gardens have been established to grow high-value crops such as herbs and spices that can be sold at markets. This has boosted the income of families with poor resources particularly women, and has improved their nutrition and health. Some households have also integrated livestock and poultry into their gardens, to increase the accessibility of animal proteins.Gardening at home is often the best way to boost food and nutritional security in post-crisis scenarios. During the drought in Tajikistan 2010 a large number of households turned to their gardens for a variety of plants and vegetables they grew in their emergency food reserves. Additionally, they cultivated crops such as beans, which were readily available at a bargain price and comprised the majority of their food supplies. They were able avoid malnutrition and hunger and maintain an active lifestyle, and reduce their dependence on imported food. In many instances, this was a lifeline to families who were severely affected by the war and were facing economic hardships and unemployment.Economic BenefitsHome gardens offer a bundle of benefits, including food security and income generation. They provide a constant and steady supply of fresh fruits vegetables, herbs, and spices, as well animal products (e.g. In addition to milk and eggs, they also provide ecosystem services, such as soil fertility and water conservation. These numerous benefits make home gardening an attractive sustainable agriculture practice, especially in the developing nations.In numerous studies, the importance of home gardens in providing essential food items and also as a buffer against insecurity of food is well-established. Research has proven that kitchen gardens provide an unending supply of food to be consumed in the household, as well as an additional income from the sale of products at markets. beginners gardening can be used for other essential needs like healthcare, savings and education.According to a study of the literature, women are responsible for the majority of gardens at home. This is a reflection of the socio-cultural norms which recognize the importance of women to household food production. Women's involvement in the garden at home can help them become proficient with plants and gardening practices, which improves their agronomic skills and assists in meeting the family's needs.In addition, the study by Rowe found that home gardens supplement the dietary intake of families living in densely populated and degraded areas with limited croplands. They do this by enhancing the availability of high-nutrient density food items, thereby enhancing dietary balance and improving health [5252.Home gardens are often described as low-tech, low-cost agricultural systems due to their location and horticultural makeup [53]. They utilize locally available resources such as soil, water, and plants to achieve their objectives. This lowers the cost of cost of investment and operation in comparison to the cost of commercially bought food and generates economic benefit by reducing household expenditure.Gardening at home not only provides an array of food sources and revenue, but also encourage the development of rural areas and encourage entrepreneurialism. They have been shown to be particularly effective in post-conflict or fragile situations. For example, in Tajikistan, which became independent following a prolonged civil war and subsequent natural disasters such as drought, home gardens provided an important source of food security and poverty alleviation for the population (Rowe and others. (2006)).Medical BenefitsNumerous studies across the globe have found that home gardens provide multiple social and cultural as in addition to economic benefits. They help improve food and nutritional security, promoting human health and capacity, providing income, empowerment of women and protecting the natural resources. Gardens at home also contribute to ecosystem services such as habitats for pollinators and animals as well as nutrient recycling, less erosion of soils and protection of watersheds.Home gardens are now a part of many countries landscapes for agriculture due to their many advantages. For beginners gardening , in the upland areas of north-east India and Latin America, home garden cultivation is usually an ancient ethno-ecological (TEK) response to the decline in soil fertility and site degradation from changing practices in agriculture [99.In addition to contributing to sustainable food production, home gardens have been proven to play a significant role in reducing the 'hidden hunger' associated with micronutrient deficiency. According to Wiersum and co, the utilization of a variety of fruit trees and other vegetables in gardens at home allows families to have easy access to a high-quality diet high in vitamins and minerals which can help them avoid diseases caused by deficiency.Additionally, in countries in post-conflict and transitional situations, home gardening has been used as a method to improve nutrition, food security and livelihoods in the belief that gardening is flexible, affordable and adaptable, especially for women-headed households. For example, Rowe found that in Tajikistan which was a country that gained independence from the Soviet Union and was tormented by the economic crisis and civil war households could get basic food items from rations, but relied heavily on home gardens for a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as tubers (such as cassava and yams) to provide a healthy food intake.In addition the cultivation of medicinal plants in homes gardens has been a significant source of medicine and treatments for various ailments in a number of developing nations. Traditional herbal medicine that is local is often cheaper to produce than pharmaceuticals. This makes it more accessible to those who are less fortunate.Environmental BenefitsHome gardens are small-scaled subsistence agricultural systems that provide food and other household items. They usually consist of an assortment of shrubs, trees and perennial plants and herbs, spices and ornamental species. They are also a major source of income, especially for households with limited resources.As opposed to beginners gardening that relies on chemical inputs, home gardening uses organic fertilizers and pesticides that help to maintain healthy soils. They also help conserve biodiversity and natural resources.A garden in your home can serve as a sanctuary for wildlife like birds, insects, and other animals that depend on it to survive. It also offers protection from harsh elements including the harsh sunlight and the wind. A garden at home can help to reduce noise pollution caused by the traffic on busy roads. The tall plants in the garden could help to absorb and block out noise waves thereby helping keep the peace within the neighborhood.In response to the increasing environmental concerns there is a growing focus on establishing and enhancing local food systems. Gardening at home is becoming more well-known as a viable method to provide local ecosystem services and food services. A variety of studies highlight positive impacts on nutrition, food security and income generation particularly among poor families in rural and urban contexts.The research on the social benefits of home gardens has also shown positive effects for household members, particularly women. For instance in the Achuar Indian community of the upper Amazon women's ability to maintain a beautiful garden improves her status as a social pillar.Home gardens are an excellent way to build resilience in the event that you are confronted with food shortages or crisis. They are a low-cost and sustainable alternative to the importation of expensive food items from abroad. They can also be an engine for growth and change by giving power to communities that are disadvantaged.