The Neighborhood's Secret Garden: Urban Gardens on the Hillsides

San Antonio: When the Hill Becomes a Garden

If you have ever climbed the steep streets of San Antonio, you know that here, the earth and the sky touch. On the terraces, balconies, and backyards of this traditional Cali neighborhood, there is a silent movement transforming how the hillside is inhabited. It's not just about decorative pots: we're talking about community gardens, crops on terraces with a view of the city, and a seed exchange network that grows every month. In June 2026, San Antonio is the epicenter of urban permaculture in Cali, and here is what you need to know to join.

Map of 4 Active Community Gardens in San Antonio

Here are four spaces where the land is worked collectively. Each has its own rhythm and character. If you are new, any of these will welcome you with dirt-stained hands and a smile.

La Loma Garden (Carrera 4 # 2-45)

Approximate coordinates: 3.4508, -76.5372. This is the oldest in the neighborhood. It started about five years ago on an abandoned lot that a group of neighbors reclaimed. Today it has raised garden beds, a community composter, and a small seedling nursery. They meet on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. You don't need to bring anything, just a willingness to learn.

El Mirador Garden (Calle 5 # 3-60, terrace of El Mirador building)

Approximate coordinates: 3.4515, -76.5381. On the terrace of a residential building, a group of neighbors turned the space into a productive garden. They have lettuce, aromatic herbs, chili peppers, and even a small strawberry crop. Access is restricted, but they open to the public on the first Saturday of each month for planting workshops. Ask at the building's reception.

La Lomita Garden (Carrera 3 # 1-50, behind the church)

Approximate coordinates: 3.4495, -76.5365. A small but very active space, managed by a senior citizens' association from the neighborhood. They specialize in medicinal and aromatic plants. They have open hours, but it's best to arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, when they hold open maintenance sessions.

La Cima Garden (Calle 2 # 4-80, corner lot)

Approximate coordinates: 3.4522, -76.5390. This is the newest, inaugurated in early 2026. It focuses on environmental education for children. They have a workshop schedule on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and a drip irrigation system that is an example of hillside efficiency. If you have children, this is the place.

Planting Calendar Based on the Western Hillside Climate

San Antonio is on the western hillside of Cali, which means it receives more wind and slightly more humidity than the city center. Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C during the day, but at night it can drop to 18°C. This affects what grows well and when.

Based on the experience of local gardeners, here is a practical calendar for planting on your terrace or balcony:

• January to March (dry season): Plant tomatoes, peppers, basil, eggplants, and zucchini. They need lots of sun and low risk of fungus. Water every two days.
• April to June (start of rains): Lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, spring onions, and cilantro. They take advantage of the humidity. Watch out for excess water: ensure good drainage.
• July to September (heavy rains): Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and potatoes. It's also a good time for herbs like mint and spearmint. Use raised beds to avoid waterlogging.
• October to December (transition to dry): Beans, green beans, sweet corn, and marigolds (for pest control). Plant during a waxing moon for best results.

A fun fact: on the hillside, the constant wind can dehydrate plants faster. Local gardeners recommend using barriers made of cane or shade cloth to protect more delicate crops, like lettuce.

Interview with 3 Neighbors Who Grow on Terraces with a View of the City

We spoke with three people who have turned their terraces into small productive paradises. Here is what they told us.

María José, 34 years old, graphic designer

"I live in an apartment on Calle 4 with Carrera 3. My terrace has a view of the city, and at first, I only had ornamental plants. Two years ago, I started with a couple of lettuce pots, and now I have 12 raised beds made from recycled wood. I grow cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, herbs, and even a papaya tree that gives me fruit every three months. The trick is irrigation: I installed a drip system with recycled bottles that cost me less than 20,000 pesos. The best part is that my children learn where food comes from. On Sundays, we cook with what we harvest."

Don Carlos, 67 years old, retiree

"I lived my whole life in the countryside, in the Valle, and when I moved to San Antonio, I felt I missed the land. On the terrace of my building, on Calle 5, I started with a couple of pots of cilantro and onion. Now I have a small garden with 20 different species, including medicinal plants like aloe vera, rue, and lemon balm. What I like most is exchanging seeds with the neighbors. Here on the hill, there is an informal network: one brings tomato seeds, another brings beans, and we all win. My advice for newcomers: don't be afraid to get your hands dirty."

Ana Lucía, 29 years old, environmental engineer

"I arrived in San Antonio three years ago and started a permaculture project on the terrace of my building on Carrera 2. I have a worm composting system, a rainwater collection tank, and spiral crops. The most challenging thing has been the wind: I had to install protective netting. But the results are worth it: we produce 40% of the vegetables we consume at home. I also give free workshops on Saturdays at La Loma Garden to teach others how to set up their own systems. The community is what makes this possible."

List of Tools Available at Local Hardware Stores

You don't need to go to a big gardening store to start. At the hardware stores in San Antonio, you can find all the basics. Here is a list of what you can get and where:

• Hand trowels and transplanters: At Ferretería San Antonio (Carrera 4 # 2-30). Price: from 8,000 COP. They are steel with wooden handles, ideal for pots.
• Garden hoses: At Ferretería La Loma (Carrera 3 # 1-20). Price: from 15,000 COP for 10 meters. Ask for the 1/2 inch ones, which are the most commonly used.
• Pruning shears: At Ferretería El Mirador (Calle 5 # 3-50). Price: from 12,000 COP. The Tramontina brand is the most durable.
• Shade cloth (to protect from wind and strong sun): At Ferretería La 2 (Carrera 2 # 2-10). Price: from 5,000 COP per linear meter. Use it to cover delicate crops.
• Clay or recycled plastic pots: At the same Ferretería San Antonio. Price: from 3,000 COP for small ones. Clay pots are better for moisture retention on the hillside.
• Substrate or fertilized soil: At the fertilizer store on Calle 3 (near the church). Price: from 10,000 COP for a 20-kilo bag. Ask for the vegetable mix.
• Basic seeds (cilantro, lettuce, tomato): At the stationery store on Carrera 4 with Calle 2. Price: from 2,000 COP per packet. They also sell planting kits for children.

Local tip: many hardware stores also sell empty plastic bottles for 500 COP each. They are perfect for making homemade drip irrigation systems.

How to Join the Local Seed Exchange Network

The seed exchange network in San Antonio is informal but very active. There is no website or app; it works by word of mouth and through WhatsApp. Here's how you can get in:

1. Attend a workshop or workday at any of the community gardens. The best entry point is La Loma Garden. Arrive on a Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and introduce yourself. Say you want to join the exchange. They will add you to the WhatsApp group "Semillas San Antonio".
2. Bring seeds to exchange. It doesn't matter if it's just a few. They can be tomato, cilantro, lettuce, bean, or any local variety. If you don't have any, you can bring cuttings or seedlings. The unwritten rule is: what you bring, you take.
3. Participate in the monthly swaps. On the last Sunday of each month, at La Loma Garden, there is an open swap from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your seeds in paper envelopes (never plastic) and label them with the name and harvest date.
4. Respect local varieties. The network prioritizes heirloom seeds or those adapted to the hillside climate. Avoid introducing commercial hybrids that could contaminate local crops.

A key point: the network also exchanges knowledge. If you know about composting, pest control, or irrigation, you are welcome. It's not all seeds; cuttings of medicinal plants and dwarf fruit trees are also shared.

Local Tips for Growing on a Terrace or Balcony in San Antonio

• Control the wind: The western hillside receives constant winds. Use shade cloth or cane to create barriers. You can also place heavier pots on the edges and lighter ones in the center.
• Take advantage of light: Terraces facing south or west receive more sun. If your balcony is shady, choose leafy plants like lettuce, spinach, and spearmint, which tolerate less light.
• Smart watering: Install plastic bottles with a perforated cap buried upside down in the pots. This releases water slowly and reduces watering frequency. In the dry season, water every two days; during rains, every four.
• Compost at home: Get a worm bin with red wiggler worms. In San Antonio, they are sold at the fertilizer store on Calle 3. The resulting compost is pure gold for your plants.
• Partner with neighbors: If you don't have space, many buildings have common terraces that can be turned into collective gardens. Talk to the management and propose a pilot project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to join a community garden?

Not at all. The gardens in San Antonio welcome beginners with open arms. At La Loma Garden, for example, there are free workshops every Saturday where they teach you everything from how to prepare the soil to how to harvest. Just wear comfortable clothes and bring a willingness to learn.

What can I grow if my terrace is small or has little light?

Many options. In small spaces, go for aromatic herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro. Loose-leaf lettuce and ornamental chili peppers also work well. If light is limited, choose shade plants like spinach, Swiss chard, and spearmint. Use hanging pots to take advantage of vertical space.

How do I know if the seeds I exchange are of good quality?

The local exchange network has informal but effective standards. Seeds should come from healthy plants, harvested within the last six months. Label them with the plant name, harvest date, and place of origin. If you have doubts, ask in the WhatsApp group or consult with the coordinators at La Loma Garden. They will guide you.

CTA: Bring a bag of organic compost this Sunday to La Loma Garden and take home three free seedlings. We'll be waiting for you from 9:00 a.m. at Carrera 4 # 2-45. Don't forget your gloves.

Historical or Contextual Introduction

Urban gardens in San Antonio are a manifestation of the historical relationship between the people of Cali and their environment. This neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and steep hillsides, has been a meeting point between nature and urban life since the 19th century. With the rise of urban agriculture, residents have revived this legacy by growing their own food, transforming spaces that were once just for transit into true productive gardens.

In times past, agriculture was a fundamental part of daily life in Cali. Families grew food in their yards, and this was reflected in the diversity of fresh produce offered in local markets. Today, the trend of urban gardens revives that connection, promoting sustainability and conscious consumption. Furthermore, these initiatives strengthen the community, as neighbors often exchange seeds, knowledge, and products.

If you visit San Antonio, you can not only appreciate the beauty of its streets and colorful houses but also discover the passion of its inhabitants for urban agriculture. Here are some tips for enjoying this experience:

• Visit the Orchid Garden

  This space is not only a nursery but also a place where locals share their cultivation techniques. Insider Tip: Ask about their free workshops on growing orchids and other native plants, a great way to learn and connect.

Things to Do

Visit the San Antonio Neighborhood Garden

This garden is a perfect example of how the community comes together to cultivate not only food but also social bonds. Guided visits are held where you can learn about the cultivation process and the importance of sustainability.

Insider Tip: Don't forget to ask about the possibility of participating in one of their cultivation workshops; they are very popular among locals and give you a broader view of urban agriculture in Cali.

Explore La Paz Garden

Located in a quiet corner of the neighborhood, La Paz is known for its diversity of plants and the dedication of its founders. They often organize activities like farmers' markets and seed swap fairs.

Insider Tip: If you visit on a weekend, make sure to attend their market, where you can buy fresh produce and support local farmers.

Participate in Urban Agriculture Workshops

Various collectives in the neighborhood offer urban agriculture workshops ranging from vegetable planting to compost creation. These workshops are usually free or require a symbolic donation.

Insider Tip: Bring your own pot or recycled container to participate in the hands-on activities; it's an excellent way to take a piece of San Antonio home.

Where to Eat or Drink

La Candelaria

This restaurant offers an authentic experience with typical regional dishes, using fresh ingredients from local gardens. The decor is warm and reflects Cali's culture.

Insider Tip: Don't miss their specialty: sancocho de gallina. It's a comforting dish that will leave you wanting to come back.

El Jardín de los Abuelos

Located on one of the hillsides, this café has a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that includes natural juices and snacks made with products from their own garden. Perfect for a break after exploring the steep streets.

Insider Tip: Try their soursop tart; it's a favorite among locals and not always on the menu, so ask if it's available.