Times change. Cultivate independently
Secure your private vegetable garden in the municipalities of Lema o High Malcantone.
WHAT IT IS
We live in uncertain times, with an ever more concrete economic crisis, even if we choose to ignore it.
Good food costs more every day, while what we bring to the table is less and less transparent.
Cultivating one's own vegetable garden is a concrete and conscious gesture towards one's own food autonomy.
Learn to cultivate with efficient techniques that require little time, water and local resources.
Rediscover the value of landof the seasonality and time devoted to nature.
And nature will repay you with what really matters.
HOW IT WORKS
This is not a classic and simple “community garden”, we offer much more: a private vegetable garden to cultivate independently, common land with fruit and berries, all resources needed (water, natural fertilisers, mulching,...), all the tools necessary, guidance and support e social sharing meetings, all included in one annual fee.
1) Fill in the form
Contact us and briefly tell us who you are and what motivates you to participate.
2) Choose your vegetable garden
Indicate the size and location in which you desire your space.
3) Start or be guided
You can start cultivate independently or, if you wish, be guided with advice and support.
Interested in finding out more?
WHAT OUR OFFER INCLUDES
Private garden
Your personal vegetable garden, where you can grow what you want yourself. Accessible whenever you want all year round.
Common land
You will have access to collective crops such as pumpkins, fruit, berries, herbs shared among members.
Water
The plot is organised so that each vegetable garden can be watered comfortably. The cost of water is included in the fee.
Mulching
Various mulching materials (straw, hay, mowing, wood chips, etc.) are available that you can use for your vegetable garden.
Fertilisers
Horse manure from a local stable, manure macerate, nettle macerate, teku kana (compost tea) and other natural preparations are available as fertilisers.
Shared tools
The fee includes the most common working tools, made available to all, to enable you to cultivate without worries.
Guide and coach
Practical support: tips and tricks to better manage your organic garden.
Social events
Convivial meetings with all members to share practices, opinions, results and knowledge.
-50% on courses
50% discount on the various vegetable (and other) garden-related courses we organise each year.
PACKAGES
Orto S
For individuals-
Private garden, 8 m2
-
Accessible all year round
-
Access to common land *
-
All the necessary tools
-
Mulching material
-
Natural fertilisers
-
Water
-
Events with all members
Orto M
For couples or families-
Private garden, approx. 15 m2
-
Accessible all year round
-
Access to common land *
-
All the necessary tools
-
Mulching material
-
Natural fertilisers
-
Water
-
Events with all members
-
Personal guide and coach
-
-50% on horticulture-related courses
-
-20% on any repair with us
Orto L
For families or groups-
Private garden, XX square metres
-
Accessible all year round
-
Access to common land *
-
All the necessary tools
-
Mulching material
-
Natural fertilisers
-
Water
-
Events with all members
-
Personal guide and coach
-
-50% on horticulture-related courses
-
-20% on any repair with us
-
Exemption from maintenance of common areas
* Currently, the common grounds include the following, to be shared by all members: pumpkins, peaches, mulberries, blackberries, Japanese blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, chives, mint, rosemary, sage and more.
NOT CONVINCED? HERE ARE SOME FIGURES...
Monthly cost of fresh vegetables for a family of 4: Supermarket shopping and self-production compared
Source: FSO (DFE); data calculated on total monthly consumption, adjusted for inflation and referring only to the share of vegetables.
** Including resources (water, mulch, fertilisers,...), tools and time needed to produce on a 15 m2 vegetable garden.
In 2025, the monthly savings vs. supermarket for a family of 4 producing their own vegetables was 370 CHF/month.
As prices tend to increase over time, this saving will also tend to increase.
WHO THE PROJECT IS AIMED AT
These gardens were created to be a space open to everyone, where growing your own food also becomes a way
to meet, learn and grow together.
Singles or couples
For those who want a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, growing their own organic food and rediscovering contact with nature.
Families
An experience to be enjoyed together, bringing the family together, saving money and accompanying young and old to discover the magic of nature.
Children and schools
An opportunity to learn outdoors, where nature becomes a teacher and teaches, with simplicity, the rhythm of the seasons and the true value of food.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is an organic synergistic garden?
A synergistic garden is a way of cultivation that tries to imitate the way nature works: plants are put together so that they help each other, with very little soil disturbance and absolutely no synthetic chemicals.
- No ploughing or deep soil tillage;
- no chemical fertilisers;
- no chemical pesticides;
- use of associations between different plants;
- soil always covered with mulch;
- very little water other than rainwater;
What does it mean to have a private vegetable garden in a community garden project?
It means that, within a large plot of land used for growing fruit and vegetables, you can have your own private plot to cultivate yourself. Everything you produce will be destined exclusively for your own consumption.
What can I grow in my vegetable garden? and on common land?
You can grow your own vegetables in your garden, as long as they are strictly organic (certified seeds and seedlings).
In addition, only plants and crops that comply with current regulations are permitted (i.e. no hemp, tobacco, etc.).
Whatever is grown on common land is available to everyone. Currently there are pumpkins, peaches, mulberries, blackberries, Japanese blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, chives, mint, rosemary, sage,...
Can I access my vegetable garden whenever I want?
Yes, you can access the garden freely at any time, as long as you keep to the appropriate times and quiet living.
What is the right size for me?
We recommend Garden M (approx. 15 sqm), an ideal size, easily manageable and sufficient for self-production of vegetables throughout the year for one person, a couple or a small family (up to 3 persons).
It is also possible to opt for a smaller vegetable garden (about 8 square metres) or a larger one on request.
I have no experience in cultivation, how do I do it?
No problem, we are here to support all those in need. We have been growing organically for several years using synergistic methods, permaculture and are experimenting with electroculture. We can certainly guide you and give you all the advice you need for this wonderful adventure.
I have no tools to cultivate, how do I do it?
No problem, we provide all the necessary tools for growing your vegetable garden.
Are there additional costs beyond the fee?
No, the fee includes all the essential services listed above; there are no hidden costs or additional fees.
Should I also contribute my time?
There is no specific number of hours, but it is possible that some maintenance work in the common areas (e.g. pruning, grass cutting, etc.) will have to be carried out in shifts.
In total, however, this amounts to a few dozen hours per year, to be divided among the group members (<6 hours per person per year).
What type of contract will I enter into? Duration? Termination?
A normal annual contract, terminable from year to year with 3 months' notice. It is possible to renounce the assignment at any time, subject to the stipulated notice period. In the event of early termination there is no refund of fees already paid.
Spaces are limited, so hurry up...
Whether you are curious, want to learn more or are seriously interested in participating...
