In the last times, Urban gardens have acquired a prominent role in many Spanish cities., establishing itself as a sustainable alternative to revitalize public spaces, foster neighborhood harmony, and bring organic farming closer to the public. Numerous municipalities are committed to this type of initiative, which goes beyond food production and also promotes educational, environmental, and social values.
Various municipalities have launched new calls to make plots available to residents, associations, and social groups in their urban gardens. This trend responds both to growing public demand and to the interest in creating green areas that promote well-being and social integration through urban agriculture.
San Sebastián de los Reyes: Call for proposals for 94 plots
The City Council of San Sebastián de los Reyes has announced the Official call for the allocation of 94 plots in municipal urban gardens, corresponding to the period 2025-2028. The plots are distributed in three key locations: the Huerta de Fermín, the Tempranales neighborhood and the recent installation on Navarra Avenue. From the 16 June, the complete bases can be consulted and applications can be submitted.
People registered in the municipality, as well as associations and non-profit organizations, may apply for a plot. For individuals, the allocation will be carried out by public lottery, while for associations and non-profit organizations, the process will be managed exclusively electronically through the municipal digital office, requiring a digital certificate.
The presentation of the documentation is flexible: Both electronic and in-person methods are accepted. in municipal registries, adapting to the needs of applicants and respecting the summer hours of each office. This action is part of the local commitment to environmental sustainability, organic farming and neighborhood participation in the use and respect of municipal green spaces.
Jaén: delivery of new plots in the Polígono del Valle
Another capital that is betting on urban gardens is Jaén, where 13 community plots have been awarded to groups and residents of the Polígono del Valle neighborhood. The project, part of the Community Green Corner program, covers more than 500 square meters and is organized into different plots intended for shared use and cooperation among participants.
Among the main objectives, it stands out intergenerational integration and the promotion of values such as solidarity, coexistence, and respect for the rhythms of nature. The successful bidders may use the plots for a maximum period of three years, committing to comply with the rules and recommendations of both municipal staff and the council of volunteer gardeners advising the project.
The high demand registered, with more than 50 applications for these 13 spaces, has led Jaén City Council to consider the possibility of increasing the number of plots and extending these projects to other neighborhoods in the city, thus reaffirming the public interest in urban and community agriculture.
Initiatives in other cities: Barcelona and Valencia
En Barcelona, the calls continue within the Garden Network aimed at people over 65 years of age and non-profit entities, with plots that are leased for four years and areas between 20 and 40 square meters. The initiative seeks to facilitate social participation in environmental improvement activities, promoting organic farming and urban biodiversity.
These spaces offer not only food production, but also social and educational benefits, improving the quality of life, fostering intergenerational interaction, and creating new public green spaces. They also include activities geared toward schools that allow children and young people to learn about agriculture and ecology in a real-life setting.
Meanwhile, in Valencia, the works for the implementation of the urban gardens in Orriols have been awarded, as part of the city's renaturalization program and financed by European funds. This project aims to take advantage of underutilized land and transform it into growing and social spaces for the neighborhood, reinforcing the municipal commitment to a greener and more sustainable city.
The increase in the creation of urban gardens reflects The desire of Spanish cities to promote sustainability, citizen participation and the improvement of the urban environmentIn addition to promoting self-consumption and organic farming, they contribute to strengthening social ties, promoting environmental values, and improving the quality of urban life.
