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What is Guerrilla Gardening & Why It Is Illegal

Gardening can be a terrific antidote to the strains and pressures of modern life, and it has been proven to promote mental health, not just through the therapeutic act of gardening, but also through the results that you and others may enjoy. You aren't always looking at your garden, and how many others can see it? Could you do more in the neighboring area?

Shivani Meena

Guerrilla gardening is the practice of planting food or flowers in neglected public or private spaces. In this context, "guerrilla" refers to the lack of permission to grow in a specific location, which renders guerrilla gardening illegal in most circumstances. The motivations of guerrilla gardeners differ and frequently overlap. 

Many desire to improve the quality of life in their area; others want to offer food to a needy community; and still, others want to oppose land-use policies and regulations by planting seeds. 

History 

Long before the word "guerrilla gardening" was coined, individuals reclaimed land for agricultural reasons, whether as a political or environmental statement. Depending on who owns the land, Guerrilla gardeners have been viewed as either heroes or nuisances throughout history. 

In the 1970s, guerrilla gardening became a widespread phenomenon of largely urban efforts to reclaim derelict sites, with a focus on growing native plants and increasing food options for people living in food deserts. The movement has also helped in the development of more popular, officially sanctioned urban community gardens and other food reform movements. 

Guerrilla Gardening Practices 

Guerrilla gardening may be as easy as throwing "seed bombs" over fences surrounding unoccupied lots.  

We are not claiming that Guerrilla gardening would significantly impact pollution levels, but it does play a part in opening people's minds to how public spaces might be and appear. If the public shows a desire to fill vacant land with gardens and wildflowers, it may send a message to councils and landowners who should be doing it in the first place. 

Legal Issues in Guerrilla Gardening 

Guerrilla gardening is frequently illegal since it includes trespassing on others' property, even if the guerrilla gardener just spreads seeds on the property. While gardeners can contact the property owner for permission ahead of time, they do not always get positive responses. 

It may also be prohibited to sell any food raised on the land without a license or permit. Home Gardening, Terrace Gardening are other types of Gardening One may look for.

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