My duplex has a large yard, and thus attracts tenants who are fans of the great outdoors. I have a lot of space for flower gardens, hanging pots, and a large vegetable garden. I’ve planted a lot of perennials around the house, and in the front yard, but reserved ample space for my tenants to get their hands dirty. Why? While this may result in a lot of untended plants (which it has, in years past), allowing tenants to garden helps to foster a sense of “attachment” to the property. They feel like they’re a part of the place, rather than just staying there for a while and writing a check to me every month.

My current tenants are planting a vegetable garden this year (I’ve given them space in the garden that I normally plant every year), and are putting out lawn furniture, a bird bath, and a hammock — which means that they’re making themselves comfortable, and (presumably) at least staying on until the end of the growing season.

I, however, now have a responsibility to rent a tiller within the next couple of weeks so that they can get their crops planted at a reasonable time and enjoy a good harvest (nothing’s more disappointing than having the frost come before your vegetables have ripened.).

I’ve also planted perennial food crops, for the harvesting enjoyment of future tenants, after I move out — strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, chives, and rhubarb. What could sound more charming on a rental ad than “big garden, raspberry patch”?

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