Plants, Balconies and Allotments in Spain
Buy plants at the garden centre, keep them alive in the Spanish heat and help out at a city allotment.
Most people in Spanish cities garden on a balcony or terraza, buying pots and soil at a vivero, the garden centre. The big challenge is the sun: you water at dusk, never at midday. Many ayuntamientos also rent out huertos urbanos, small allotments with long waiting lists. These cards follow a first-time gardener from the vivero to a neighbour's allotment.
- 1
Quiero plantar algunas verduras en la terraza.
I want to grow some vegetables on the terrace.
- 2
¿Qué se puede plantar en esta época?
What can you plant at this time of year?
- 3
Los tomates necesitan mucho sol.
Tomatoes need lots of sun.
- 4
¿Cada cuánto tengo que regarla?
How often do I need to water it?
- 5
Riégalas al atardecer, no a mediodía.
Water them at sunset, not at midday.
- 6
Necesito una maceta más grande.
I need a bigger pot.
- 7
¿Tenéis tierra para macetas?
Do you have potting soil?
- 8
Se le están poniendo amarillas las hojas.
The leaves are turning yellow.
- 9
La estás regando demasiado.
You're overwatering it.
- 10
Le hace falta más sombra.
It needs more shade.
- 11
El calor ha quemado la albahaca.
The heat has scorched the basil.
- 12
¿Es fácil de cuidar?
Is it easy to look after?
- 13
¿Puedo coger un esqueje?
Can I take a cutting?
- 14
Hay lista de espera para los huertos urbanos.
There's a waiting list for the city allotments.
- 15
Algo se está comiendo las lechugas.
Something's eating the lettuces.
- 16
Arranca las malas hierbas antes de que se extiendan.
Pull up the weeds before they spread.
- 17
¿Hace falta echarle abono?
Do I need to add fertiliser?
- 18
Este año hemos tenido buena cosecha.
We've had a good harvest this year.
- 19
Llévate unos tomates.
Take some tomatoes home with you.
- 20
No tienen nada que ver con los del súper.
They're nothing like the supermarket ones.