How to learn German while gardening

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At this time of the year, many of my students tell me that they spend a lot of time  in the garden or on the allotment.

So why not combine those two hobbies by labelling all your plants in English and German.  One of my students gave me the idea and I have labelled all mine in both languages. I even wrote an April Fool’s post about it a few years ago. But, joking aside, it isn’t a bad idea to use both words. 

In order to make it easier for you I have written my most personal post ever 😉   an A – Z of what I have or had in my garden/ on the allotment .

A Apfelbaum – apple tree, Aubergine – aubergine
B Blumenkohl – cauliflower, Brokkoli =- broccoli, Bohnenkraut – savoury
C Chinakohl  – Chinese cabbage
D Dill – dill
E Erbsen – peas, Erdbeeren – strawberries
F Fenchel – fennel
G  Gurken – cucumbers, Grünkohl – kale
H Himbeeren – raspberries
I  Ingwer –  haven’t yet, but I could grow ginger 
J schwarze, rote & weiße Johannisbeeren – black, red and wite currants
K Kohl – cabbage, Kürbis – pumpkin, Knoblauch – garlic, Kohlrabi – kohlrabi, Karotten – carrots, Kartoffeln – potatoes
L Lauch – leeks
M Möhren (another word for carrots), Mangold – chard, Meerrettich – horseradish
N Nutella – oops, no, that’s wishful thinking 
O Oregano – oregano
P Pastinaken – parsnips, Paprika – peppers, Peperoni – chilli pepper, Petersilie – parsley
Q Quitte – unfortunately I don’t have any quince in the garden 
R Rosenkohl – brussels sprouts, Rotkohl – red cabbage, Radieschen – radish, Rote Beete – beetroot, Rukola – rocket, Rhabarbar – rhubarb
S Salat – lettuce, Steckrübe – swede, Schwarzwurzel – scorzonera, Stangenbohnen – runner beans, Spinat – spinach, Stachelbeeren – gooseberries, Schnittlauch – chives
T Tomaten – tomatoes, Topinambur – Jerusalem artichoke, Thymian – thyme
U Unkraut – yes, plenty of weeds
V
W Weißkohl – whitte cabbage, Wirsing – savoy cabbage
X
Y
Z Zuckererbsen – mangetout peas, Zucchini – courgette, Zwiebeln – onions

As much as I tried I could not find anything with V, X, Y, U and N. Maybe one day I can complete the list.

What do you think of the idea of labelling your garden produce in German?

What’s in your garden? Do you have Obst  (fruit), Gemüse  (vegetable), Kräuter (herbs) in your Schrebergarten (allotment)?

EDIT 2019: You can now buy my Gardening Journal for German Learners: A 52 week planner for those who like to plan their gardening and learn German