By Riham Alkousaa

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Wouldn’t it be great to have your own vegetable garden? If only there was enough space and you didn’t need to dig and use manure. Germany might have the answer.

As a means of relaxation during the coronavirus outbreak, pre-planted vegetable garden rentals were in high demand.

The national political agenda was triggered by March’s inflation numbers, which showed that fresh vegetable prices had risen 15% over a one-year period.

Meine Ernte (“My Harvest”) is a company that rents small parcels across Germany to urban dwellers for vegetable growing. It has increased its stock by six to three hundred plots in order to satisfy rising demand.

Natalie Kirchbaumer, co-founder, said that the demand for coronavirus vaccines and the current situation in Ukraine have increased dramatically over the past two years. She spoke at an outdoor garden near Berlin.

People see food becoming less expensive and more scarce.

For 229 Euros ($241), you get a 49-square-meter plot. This includes an introduction to gardening and fresh produce.

Alexander Strauch (32-year-old Berliner) was seeking a hobby and has rented a plot.

He said that the cost of landscaping is a major concern, particularly now. “Slots are very popular, so we were lucky to get a garden like this.”

A briefing by Kirchbaumer is given to the first group of beginners. Next, we mark out the plots and water the lettuce shoots.

They will have the first batch ready for harvest in four weeks. There will also be about 20 additional vegetables available for harvest, including chard and cabbages as well as turnips, potatoes, and potatoes.

While some may feel satisfied, others are ready to get dirty and do more.

Wanda Ganders, Wanda’s co-founder said that these growers will be able to save as much as half or two-thirds on the price of their produce.

Ganders says that the harvest depends on weather conditions and the quality of the vegetables. One couple produced 450kg – about half a ton – in one season.($1 = 0.9486 euros)