Positive Impacts of Prison-Based Gardening and Horticultural Activities for Previously Incarcerated Individuals

Nature deprivation is common in prison populations, with repercussions that may be contributing to severe mental health issues. Although literature has illuminated countless benefits of nature exposure within prisons, there is little research surrounding the effects of in-prison nature-based activities post-release. To "follow prisoners through the gate," this research explores post-release reflections of people previously incarcerated (PPIs) in relation to the impacts of prison based gardening and horticultural activities (GHAs). Although the terms are often used interchangeably, gardening is typically a leisure activity, whereas horticulture relates more often to work and studying plants. Both terms relate to plant cultivation. An inductive approach was adopted using a written qualitative design to guide data analysis. Using a set of online qualitative questions, 11 (N = 11) participants from different countries across the globe were recruited through social media platforms and contacting relevant services. To generate data-driven themes and address the research question, Braun et al.'s thematic analysis procedure was followed to allow for an iterative flexible approach. PPIs generally experienced GHAs as beneficial in prison, with their value remaining after release. Such benefits included self-development, better mental health, community reconnection, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and improved employability. This study illuminated a need for further research to explore post-release reflections of GHAs in prison. If such research were to support the findings from this study, there may be potential for improvements in PPIs' rehabilitative outcomes and desistance from crime. Areas of focus for future research might include longitudinal and quantitative studies, nature-based community programmes, and creative ways to incorporate nature into prison environments. Prison systems across the globe vary in how gardening and horticulture are used, so this could also be a focus for future research.