Gardening in Spain Portugal Italy & Hot Countries

Gardening in Hot Mediterranean Climates – Italy, Southern France, Portugal etc.

Although this site is UK based, I know we have visitors from all over the world. Gardening in hot climates requires different approaches to the UK which is why we have these articles from Dick Handscombe.

Dick retired to Spain where he lives self-sufficiently from his garden and allotments. He’s written a number of books on growing in the Mediterranean climate.

Whilst these articles are written from a Spanish perspective, they are valuable to anyone gardening in a hot climate – Italy, Southern France, Portugal etc.

Living Self-sufficiently in Spain

Dick says about his life in Spain:

In our holistic garden and allotment we grow flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit and are largely self sufficient in our needs for a healthy Mediterranean diet.

Summer shade for siestas, sundowners, al fresco cooking eating and dining is provided by the shade of mature trees and a colourful naya-covered arched terrace. Sheltered sunny warm winter corners are created by wind breaking boundary plant clad walls and internal hedges.

To enable us to produce rich composts for enriching soils for garden beds, containers and the allotment plus invaluable home reared meat and eggs we keep a few chickens and rabbits.

As well as gardening, Dick is a great believer in a healthy lifestyle and gardens organically as well as being active in the slow food movement. Having had cancer, he is very aware of health issues.

These articles originally appeared in Dick’s blog and have been edited by John Harrison.

30 Ways to Save Water in Mediterranean Gardens

The Drought Problem in Spanish Gardens Dryer summers and an increasing number of irrigation bans are becoming the norm in Spain. Whether really due to global warming or the continuing urbanisation of the Mediterranean coastline no one really knows....

Growing Fruit in Spain, Italy, Portugal etc. - How to Succeed

March and April are among the most important months of the year for planting and caring for fruit trees.  These success factors will help you get the most from your fruit growing in the hot climate. Success Factors for Fruit Growing - 10 Tips ...

Holiday Home Gardening - Looking After Holiday Home Gardens

Spanish Holiday Villas – The Challenges Faced by the Absentee Gardener Holiday Gardeners More and more persons are purchasing villas for personal use only 6 to 12 weeks a year with no intention to let. Many of the villas they purchase are on new d...

Planning A Hot Climate Garden

A New Opportunity in A Hot Climate The Spanish climate and the planned open-air, low-stress and healthy lifestyles of many who purchase properties in sunny Spain lend themselves to a holistic approach to garden design and development. An approach that ...

Spanish Gardens are Best for Spain

Typical Problem Gardens in Spain. Unfortunately many families purchasing properties in Spain do one of three things not appropriate for an enjoyable relaxed outdoor life in Spain -which is the main reason given by people for coming to Spain. Replicate...

Spanish Versus British Allotments - Allotments in Spain

Some differences between Spanish and British allotments By Dick Handscombe who have grown vegetables for a combined 120 years since the age of five including on mini plots, school vegetable gardens, allotment size vegetable gardens and eventually a...

Spanish Versus British Allotments - Different Attitudes to Allotments in Spain

Some differences between Spanish and British allotments By Clodagh and Dick Handscombe who have grown vegetables for a combined 120 years since the age of five including on mini plots, school vegetable gardens, allotment size vegetable gardens and eventually...