PVAMU Wellness in Houston hosted an eight-week Agriculture and Community Garden Series at the Acres Homes Multiservice Center this past spring. This community garden is supported in collaboration with Be Well Acres Homes, an initiative of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Beauty’s Community Garden and Get Moving Houston.
The series began with a hands-on introduction to preparing existing raised beds for new seeds and transplants and the importance of amending soil with compost. Attendees planted tomatoes, mustard greens, kale, basil, cilantro, okra, thyme, oregano, carrots, peas, and chives. Throughout the series, participants with varying levels of gardening experience received information about hydroponics, harvest preservation, and backyard poultry production. Each session was coupled with an interactive visit to the community garden to learn proper garden maintenance and care. 
Community gardens are a great asset to local communities as they can improve access to fresh produce, food security, and dietary habits through education. They can also positively impact mental health through increasing social interaction and physical activity.
The Acres Home Multiservice Center is located at 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77091. Residents are encouraged to visit the garden to help care for and harvest available vegetables and herbs.
Carley Howell
Extension Associate, PVAMU Wellness in Houston
crhowell@pvamu.edu