HOME GARDENING: STORIES OF GREEN-THUMBED TITAS DURING THE PANDEMIC

This is a qualitative-phenomenological study using a case study approach among three (3) women who were green-thumbed titas during the pandemic. They were selected using a purposive technique relative to the criteria set. A self- constructed in-depth interview guide comprising open-ended questions was used in data gathering. The researcher analyzed the data by identifying themes from the interview transcripts as the foundation for writing the stories. These themes were discussed in the light of Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) Theory.

Findings revealed that a convergence among the following circumstances influenced women to engage in home gardening: the craze of home gardening amid the pandemic; their experiences of boredom and anxiety that needed outlets to overcome these problems; the presence of lush gardens of neighbors and friends that inspired them to also have a garden; and the portrayals of social media regarding home gardening benefits which they aspire to acquire.

Women's favorable experiences in home gardening revolved around having robust plants that offered them economic benefits and allowed them to expand their social networks of gardener-friends and acquaintances. Unfavorable experiences include unpredictable weather conditions for plant growth, plant pest damage, home gardening maintenance, and being victimized by online scams. Findings also revealed that home gardening has impacted the lives of the green- thumbed titas in terms of their personal, social, economic, and ecological values and has encouraged them to have aspirations in regard to their home gardening journey.

The phenomenon of home gardening served as a coping mechanism for women's survival during the pandemic, and they have become empowered women while engaging in the activity. Moreover, the findings of the study can be a basis for the government in framing policies to support green-thumbed titas and other gardeners in sustaining their garden-business for development.