Growing Together: A Guide to Urban and Community Gardening in Berlin
Berlin is a city famous for its creative use of space, and nowhere is this more evident than in its thriving urban gardening scene. From mobile gardens in public squares to community plots on former airport fields, Berliners are reclaiming concrete spaces and turning them into green, productive oases. Urban gardening is about more than just growing vegetables; it's about community, sustainability, and reconnecting with nature in the heart of the city.
What is Urban Gardening?
Urban gardening encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at growing plants in a city environment. This can include:
- Community Gardens (Gemeinschaftsgärten): Plots of land that are collectively cultivated by a group of people.
- Rooftop Gardens: Utilizing flat roofs to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
- Container Gardening: Growing plants in pots, crates, and raised beds on balconies, terraces, and in courtyards.
- Guerilla Gardening: The act of gardening on land that the gardeners do not have the legal rights to use, such as abandoned sites or public spaces.
Famous Urban Gardening Projects in Berlin
Berlin is home to some of Germany's most innovative urban gardening projects.
- Prinzessinnengarten (Moritzplatz & St. Jacobi-Friedhof): Perhaps Berlin's most famous urban garden. Originally located at Moritzplatz, it pioneered the concept of a mobile, social, and ecological farm in the city center, growing vegetables in stackable crates. It has since moved to a new location at the St. Jacobi-Friedhof in Neukölln, continuing its mission.
- Allmende-Kontor (Tempelhofer Feld): On the vast open space of the former Tempelhof Airport, a large community garden has emerged. Hundreds of residents tend to their own raised beds, creating a colorful and diverse landscape of flowers and vegetables in the middle of the field.
- Himmelbeet (Wedding): A large community garden in the district of Wedding that combines vegetable cultivation with educational workshops, a café, and community events.
How Can You Get Involved?
Inspired to get your hands dirty? There are many ways to join Berlin's urban gardening movement.
- Join a Community Garden: Most community gardens have a waiting list, but it's always worth getting in touch. Many also have open workdays where you can help out and get to know the community. A quick online search for "Gemeinschaftsgarten" + your Berlin district will show you options nearby.
- Start on Your Balcony: This is the easiest way to begin. Even a small balcony can produce a surprising amount of herbs, salads, and cherry tomatoes. Check our guide to Balcony & Terrace Gardening for tips.
- Adopt a Tree Bed (Baumscheibe): Many districts in Berlin encourage residents to plant and care for the small patch of soil around street trees. It's a great way to beautify your neighborhood and contribute to biodiversity.
The Weather Factor in Urban Gardening
Urban gardens have a unique microclimate.
- Heat Island Effect: Cities are often several degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. This can extend the growing season but also increases the need for watering in summer.
- Wind Tunnels: Streets and tall buildings can create wind tunnels. Choose sturdy plants and secure your pots and climbing aids well.
- Watering is Key: Raised beds and containers dry out much faster than garden soil. A smart watering strategy, perhaps using a drip irrigation system, is crucial for success during Berlin's hot summers.
Urban gardening in Berlin is a powerful movement that shows that even in a city of millions, it's possible to create spaces for nature, community, and fresh, healthy food.