Gardening together

Do you feel like gardening in spring? But you don't have your own garden in front of the house? Then perhaps gardening in a community garden is just the thing for you.

In recent years, community gardens have become increasingly important in cities. Not only do they promote social cohesion, they also offer you the opportunity to network with people who share your passion. Many community gardens also help to green urban spaces, promote biodiversity and improve the quality of life in your area.

There are now many different types of community gardens: Neighborhood and district gardens, gardens for women, older people, schools or refugees. Take a look around your area to see what already exists.

There are many reasons for having a communal garden. People in cities in particular lack their own piece of land that they can cultivate. Others appreciate the community in which the joys and sorrows of gardening can be shared. In a community garden, you can share the experience and tasks involved in planting and you don't run the risk of the garden literally growing over your head ... And if you go on vacation, you can make sure that the plants are watered regularly.

For a community garden to succeed, you should discuss and agree on a few points in advance. In many community gardens, for example, it is clear that the plants are grown according to organic principles. Synthetic and chemical pesticides are not used.

Another question you should ask yourself in the community right at the start is who the project is aimed at. Are you aiming to integrate refugees, do you want to support poorer families or should the garden be open to everyone in the neighborhood?

You should also clarify who will pay for which costs. In addition to buying seeds and seedlings, you will need money for the water and electricity supply, for laying paths and hedges or even for a greenhouse. If the garden is organized as an association, you can also try to finance the garden through donations or sponsors or you can simply divide the costs among yourselves.

The design of the garden is one of the most important points that should be clarified before the gardening season begins. This involves deciding which vegetables should be grown, how much space fruit and berries should take up and which herbs should line the path.

Once all questions have been clarified and the community is in agreement, you can get started!