Applications open for vegetable gardens in Reykjavík
Applications for vegetable garden plots in the city open at noon on Monday, March 16. About 600 vegetable gardens are rented out by the city, with nearly 200 of them located in Skammadalur. Plots are available in Vesturbær, Fossvogur, Meðalholt, Laugardalur, Árbær, Grafarvogur and Kjalarnes at Fólkvangur. The vegetable gardens will open May 1. Applications can be submitted through "My Pages" on the Reykjavík City website.
A chance to grow your own vegetables
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.
The lease fees for 2026 are 7,760 kr. for garden land in the Skammadalur (about 100 m2) and 6,420 kr. for a garden (about 20 m2). Plots in Grafarvogur, Árbær, Fossvogur, Meðaholt, and Kjalarnes will cost 5,180 kr. per plot (8 square meters).
Meðalholt is a new location offering 13 plots, four of which are accessible raised beds designed for people who use wheelchairs, walkers or have difficulty kneeling.
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 run 30 minutes each — at noon in Icelandic and at 12:40 p.m. in English. They also present a perfect opportunity to ask the garden staff about vegetable gardening.
The Reykjavík Botanical Garden is also hosting a free workshop on sowing and caring for vegetables and summer flowers on Wednesday, March 25, at 5 p.m. The workshop takes place in the garden pavilion and is free of charge. It's a great opportunity for anyone planning to garden this summer to stop by and get expert tips on the right techniques for a bountiful harvest and blooms.