The Germans' desire for their own plot of land in the countryside is enormous. In some cases, there are already waiting times of over five years in large cities such as Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg. In many regions, the idea of creating waiting lists has already been given up. “Urban gardening”, also known as city gardening, has been very trendy for several years. Background: Previously used agricultural land is simply divided into small garden plots and rented out for different terms. Younger families are particularly interested, i.e. a generation that previously liked to describe allotment gardening as old-fashioned. What causes this change of mind and why are “start-ups” that generate such a mainstream in the green space literally overrun by interested parties?
How can I create an allotment?
To create an allotment garden, first look for available plots in your region, for example via Kleingartenvereine.de or urban gardening providers. Rental gardens often offer worry-free complete packages including prepared beds, tools and advice.
Such offers are particularly motivating because new gardeners are offered ready-made, worry-free complete packages without a long-term commitment, which include, for example, free use of garden tools, water connection, seed and planting packages, professionally prepared beds and much more.
Competent contacts when looking for a free allotment garden on site are primarily the regional allotment garden associations. The carefully researched and very up-to-date address material on the website Kleingartenvereine.de is very helpful.
We have summarized two providers of urban gardening in rental gardens that operate throughout Germany in an overview:
| My Harvest | Field Heroes | |
|---|---|---|
| Locations (cities) | 26 | 16 |
| Garden Size | 45 and 90 m2 | 40 m2 |
| Rental price (per season) | 199, - or 369, - € | 299, - € |
| Special features | Pre-planted with 20 types of vegetables, garden shed, basic garden tools, irrigation water, free workshops, introductory event before the start of the season, gardener's consultation hours, gardener's letter | Professional preparation and planting with 120 organic young plants, onion sets and 15 types of organic seeds, several consultation appointments on site, garden tools, bucket, wheelbarrow, irrigation water |
| Workload per week | Two to three hours | Two hours |
| Online portal | my-harvest.de | ackerhelden.de |
Tips & Tricks
If the dream of having your own garden still doesn't come true, grab your family and their bikes next weekend, just cycle across the country again and look through the villages. Put notes in the mailboxes at properties that currently need some TLC or just ring the bell here and there. In this way, you might be able to find someone among the older villagers who will give you part of their property to create some of your own garden beds.
And if it doesn't work right away, there is another option: guerrilla tactics.
Beautify dull surfaces in public spaces
In the past, dropping so-called seed bombs was a form of civil disobedience or an expression of political protest. However, most municipalities in Germany are more relaxed about the method of community gardening, which is currently quite relaxed - if they have been informed in advance. The city administrations often even award sponsorships for parts of the public space or for previously neglected areas in the supply and maintenance of urban green spaces. You can definitely find a few tree slices near your home where you can demonstrate your gardening ambitions, even if on a small area. And: If you have nothing to do with the finished seed bombs (€14.00 on Amazon) from the relevant online shops, do the following:
Seed Bomb Recipe:
- 250 grams of clay or powder from the pharmacy
- 150 grams of humus or medium-heavy garden soil
- 50 grams of seeds (flowers, radishes, lupins or similar)
- 250 ml water
- Mix everything together well and knead into small walnut-sized balls
- Let it dry out thoroughly for two days, dump it in the place approved by the municipality or the property owner and
- Let nature take its course!
