Vatican City transitions monastery garden to 100% organic farming

The Vatican has transitioned its small garden located near the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the Vatican Gardens to a 100% organic farming model. Managed by the Gardens and Environment Service of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, the approximately 400-square-meter plot prioritizes ecological respect and seasonal rhythms over maximum production levels.

This shift aligns with the principles of care for creation outlined in Pope Francis’s encyclical ‘Laudato si’’. Gardener Gilberto Bianchi manages the site alongside young collaborators and religious sisters from the Mater Ecclesiae convent, who request specific produce based on community needs. Irrigation is still performed manually.

To maintain soil fertility and minimize chemical use, the garden employs certified granular fertilizers, crop rotation—such as using legumes to fix nitrogen—and seaweed-based fertilizers. These agronomic practices aim to keep pests below damage thresholds without heavy pesticide use. All required interventions are documented in a field notebook to ensure regulatory compliance.