Gardens in Puerto Rico feature tropical and subtropical plants suited to warm temperatures, high humidity, and year-round rainfall. Urban gardens in San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagüez often include potted flowering plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and orchids, alongside herbs such as cilantro, oregano, and culantro. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and squash are common, while fruit trees such as mango, avocado, guava, and papaya thrive in larger plots. Many gardens incorporate raised beds, trellises, and decorative borders, emphasizing both aesthetics and practical cultivation. Community gardens, school programs, and agricultural extension initiatives help maintain local knowledge and encourage sustainable practices. Traditional practices, seasonal festivals, and regional preferences shape plant selection and garden design. As a result, Puerto Rican gardens reflect tropical abundance, culinary culture, and decorative horticultural traditions.
