In a highly urbanized world where agricultural and farmlands are increasingly converted into concrete structures, many societies and institutions have adopted urban gardening practices to utilize limited spaces for plant cultivation. Our comprehensive review and analysis of the literature indicated that gardening offers numerous therapeutic, social, economic, and environmental benefits, among other positive outcomes and opportunities. As a result, many carceral institutions worldwide have adopted gardening as a developmental approach for their prisoners. The calming, healing, and restorative effects of gardening are particularly crucial for prisoners, who face enormous challenges due to their incarceration. Gardening aids in their rehabilitation, development, and successful reintegration into society. It has also been identified as a factor in encouraging prisoners to think and behave positively, thereby reducing violence within carceral facilities and lowering recidivism rates. Furthermore, since gardening is profitable, the valuable knowledge and skills acquired by prisoners can be applied upon release, helping them become valuable assets and contributors to their communities.
This research paper is guided by the Social and Therapeutic Horticulture model under the Green Care Framework, developed in 2010 by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology. It examined the Urban Gardening Program of the Calamba City Jail Female Dormitory. Key informant interviews were conducted with seven respondents, including five Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) gardeners with at least three months of gardening experience and two personnel with at least three months as garden implementers. A thorough thematic analysis of their responses revealed that urban gardening in jail effectively contributes to PDL development. It enhances self-esteem by giving PDL a sense of responsibility and purpose, and it provides hope and opportunities for a better life. Also, contributes to skill development by equipping PDL with employable skills and fostering teamwork and determination. Further, looking at the garden helps PDL divert their attention, promoting happiness, self-reflection, positive thinking, and motivation for change. Moreover, it helps them relieved from the stress they experience inside the jail.
This paper also discussed challenges encountered in the urban gardening in jail, such as irregular water supply and infestation. Recommendations were also provided by the participants, such as adding ornamental plants, providing easily grown seedlings, and supplying watering and plant protection equipment.
At the end of this paper, the researchers proposed recommendations to address the identified challenges and further optimize the benefits of urban gardening, which are deemed instrumental for the development of PDL and their successful reintegration into society.