The structural role of vegetable gardens in the reproduction of peasant families in Catalonia (18th and 19th centuries)

Abstract

Water is scarce in the Mediterranean area and is concentrated in certain periods of the year (spring and autumn). Most of the crops were rain-fed, growing with the rains of each season. In this environment, orchards emerged, small plots of land located in areas where there were small springs or watercourses and where intensive agriculture was practiced in order to produce part of the food necessary for the subsistence of peasant families. This article describes this model of vegetable gardens, which were fundamental for the reproduction of peasant families.