Prohibition on overnight stays, barbecues, and showers — why do Germans have such gardens.

In Germany, there are over a million kleingartens, or small gardens, which can be rented through gardening associations. The demand for such plots is enormous, and the waiting list can stretch for several years. These are not remote forests or cottages outside the city — these are real plots right in the city or nearby. For example, in Berlin alone, there are 67 thousand such kleingartens, some even located next to the Bundestag.

Rules for gardeners in Germany

All gardeners in Germany must be members of a gardening association and adhere to strict rules. Here are just a few of them:

• no overnight stays outside of the season;
• no installing showers or toilets;
• no connecting gas or electric heaters;
• no throwing loud parties.

Kleingartens in Germany are a popular way for urban residents to relax, but there are strict limitations on the use of the plots.