The presentation offered an overview on the process and results of the Short Term Scientific Mission handled in 2015 in Malmo and in Riga. The aim of the research was to investigate the role of urban gardening in revitalization of residential areas in both cities. In the case of Malmo research focused on community gardening impact on health and well-being of people living in residential neighborhoods of Seved and Annelund. As Riga is rich with allotment garden areas, in the case of Riga it was decided to focus on the role of allotment garden in people’s everyday life. This study was also focused on the role of community garden as a place that promotes social engagement, and on possibility of allotment garden to adjust such function. Despite the fact that Riga with 641007 inhabitants and the area of 304 km2 is almost twice as big as Malmo with 317930 inhabitants and the total area of 158,4 km2, similarities in climate conditions and similar location of community and allotment garden within the neighbourhood made it possible to compare the role of urban gardening for residents of residential areas in both cities (Central Statistical Database, 2015; Stadtskontoret, 2015).