How to turn my land into a vegetable garden for rent?

More and more people are becoming interested in urban agriculture and growing their own food at home. An urban garden can be a great way to get fresh and healthy food without leaving the house and at the same time contribute to the care of the environment. However, many people wonder how to start growing at home and what aspects they need to consider for a successful urban garden.

For this reason, in this article we will address the most frequently asked questions when it comes to creating an urban vegetable garden: What is the best location? What type of irrigation do I use?

The soil and the location of the garden

If you have unused land and you like the natural world a little, you may be considering the possibility of setting up a business dedicated to the rental of urban gardens and the first questions that usually come to mind are about the soil and the ideal location for your garden.

• What types of land at urban planning level is it possible to set up an urban garden rental business?

There are no restrictions in this regard.

If you want to find out about the classification and grading of your land, you will have to look at the general plan of the town to which the land belongs.

As a general rule, a rental garden business is intended for land where no housing construction is planned: it is on undeveloped or rustic land that is not protected or intended for a particular type of cultivation.

On urban land within towns, it would be for plots of land that are not good because of their size or configuration.

• What would be the best location to convert my land into a rental garden?

The other point to take into account is the proximity to urban centres, as we could move within a maximum perimeter of 30 - 40 km so as not to be a burden for customers.

A good option is to see where there is already land earmarked for these purposes by both public and private initiative.

• What is the minimum area of land required for the activity to be profitable?

The recommended minimum area is one hectare for land on the periphery, part of which can be used for direct sale.

• How do I know if the soil is suitable?

Generally, if it has already been cultivated it is, otherwise it can be tested in a laboratory. What it may need is a supply of organic matter, which will be renewed from time to time.

• What is the purpose of my garden?

If you have a garden, you have a treasure. The purpose of the garden can be very varied, ranging from social, commercial or educational purposes.

Thus, we can differentiate between:

1. Social: subsistence, leisure or therapeutic.
2. Educational: school or scientific.

The importance of water

Another of the key elements for setting up your own vegetable garden is water and how it reaches your plants. Therefore, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about irrigation.

• Where does the water come from?

Generally, it comes from the irrigation network, existing wells or ponds. The procedures are carried out with the hydrographic confederation of the area.

• What type of irrigation is of interest?

Blanket, sprinkler or drip irrigation are the most common types of irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most commonly used in these cases, as it is the most economical and the most responsive for the plants.

• How much water is consumed?

An HA needs 5mm of water per day which is 5l per m2, that is equivalent to 50.000l per day.

A cubic metre of water costs 6 cents. Thus, eachlitre would be 0,00006€.

The plot for your urban garden

Once we have clarified the issues related to irrigation and the soil of our vegetable garden, it is time to design our plot.

• How are the plots designed?

In squares or rectangles, leaving paths and space for water, electricity, free spaces, utensils... The orientation is from north to south. The paths next to the fence should be about 3.00m wide and the side paths about 1.5m wide.

They are best marked with compacted soil or compacted gravel. Large areas must be left free for the entry of tractors, lorries with manure. It must be provided with pedestrian and vehicle entrances.

• What is the ideal plot size?

Between 70-80m2 is considered an optimal surface area for an average family of 4 or 5 people. But most rental gardens are between 40-50 m2.

• Is it possible to have large trees nearby?

Better not to cast shadows, although there are a variety of lettuces or plants (parsley, mint, coriander) that also work in shade.

• Is it necessary to install a perimeter fence?

Yes, if it is isolated. Some of the closures are usually made by means of a simple twist fence that allows air to pass through. Or, within the plots, bricks can be laid to enclose it.

Another recommended option is to place hedges or aromatic plants such as thyme, lavender or sage. In this way, in addition to delimiting the area, you will also be able to repel future insect infestations.

• What electrical installation is needed in an urban garden?

When setting up an urban garden, it should be borne in mind that a three-phase power supply line is needed for the pump and the electrovalves (although some do not require electricity).

In addition, the registration facilities and the pump control panel are also necessary.

Another necessary installation is the lighting of the common areas and the greenhouse, at points along the paths.

It is important not to leave the plot without light, and the best option for lighting is energy-saving LED bulbs.

• Is it advisable to make an area for people to leave their tools?

Yes. It is also a factor that customers value very positively. Individual huts or roofed huts with lockers for personal belongings can be made.

It is also advisable to make a small greenhouse with seeds for seasonal changes in the garden.

Renting an urban garden

• Which law applies to the rental contract for an urban garden?

The rural leasing law LEY 49/2003 of 26 November 2003 and the civil code. (whether rustic or urban). Article 1 considers the temporary transfer of part of a piece of land for agricultural use to be a rural lease.

• How much can I ask for renting my plots?

The rent is priced by most urban garden rental companies at €1/m2 per month.

These are some of the first questions that arise when setting up an urban garden for rent. In Huerto 360 we are here to solve all your doubts. Don't hesitate to contact our team if you still have any questions on your mind. We are waiting for you!

Formalities and obligations when renting an urban vegetable garden