Applications for vegetable gardens in the city will open for Reykjavík residents on March 15. About 600 vegetable gardens are rented out by the city, with nearly 200 of them located in Skammadalur. Vegetable gardens are available in Vesturbær, Fossvogur, Laugardalur, Árbær, Grafarvogur and Kjalarnes near Fólkvangur. The vegetable gardens will open May 1.
The gardens will be marked. Water is accessible in all areas. Garden tools, plants, and seed are not included with the gardens. For beginners, it's worth noting that people most commonly grow potatoes, various types of cabbage and turnips. It's also good to keep in mind that pre-grown vegetables are available at most garden centers.
Rental fees for 2025 are 7,500 króna for garden plots in Skammadalur (about 100 square meters) and 6,200 króna for a garden (about 20 square meters). Raised beds in Grafarvogur, Árbær, Fossvogur and Kjalarnes will cost 5,000 króna each (8 square meters). The allocation of gardens will be reversed if payment has not been received when due.
Applications should be sent to matjurtagardar@reykjavik.is.
Free education from Reykjavík City
The Reykjavík Botanic Garden in Laugardalur offers various educational activities, such as lunchtime walks every Friday in June, July and August. They take a half-hour at 12pm in Icelandic and 12:40pm in English. They also present a perfect opportunity to ask the garden staff about vegetable gardening.
Children and their families are invited to the display greenhouse at the Botanic Garden to learn how to sow summer flowers and vegetables on Wednesday, April 9, from 5-6pm. This is part of the Children's Culture Festival. Children (and adults too) will learn how to transplant or prick out seedlings. Participants will be able to take their plants home at the end of the event.
A workshop on tool sharpening and maintenance will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 5-6pm. People should bring their own tools. Botanic Garden staff will demonstrate techniques for sharpening pruners, edgers, shovels and other gardening tools. They will also cover proper tool storage methods to maximize longevity.
Both events are free and open to the public.