Why did virgils father lie to miss flock in seedfolks?

In "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman, Virgil's father lies to Miss Flock about the purpose of the garden to protect their interests and maintain control over their plot. He tells her that they want to grow vegetables for profit, masking their true intention of creating a thriving community space. This deception illustrates how the characters navigate their lives in a challenging environment, highlighting themes of survival and the complexities of urban life. Ultimately, the garden becomes a symbol of connection and hope, transcending the initial lies.