Whether it’s for beauty or to supply your table, urban gardening is a rewarding experience. It’s also good for the economy, the environment and food security.
Many city dwellers are limited in their gardening space, especially those who live in apartments or condos. However, this doesn’t stop them from reaping the benefits of fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers.
1. Grow Vertically
In urban gardening, space is usually the biggest hurdle that people face. Whether it is an alleyway, rooftop or garden plot space, finding the best place to grow your plants can be difficult.
Luckily, there are several ways around this. Urban gardeners can opt for vertical gardens that utilize trellises, grow crops in containers that can be hung from a railing or even plant vegetables in hanging bags. There are also a number of different kinds of greenhouses that can be used to help with this issue.
Another option is to grow things like lettuce, carrots, radishes and tomatoes in containers that can be placed on a window box or even a pallet. There are even a few types of fruit that can be grown vertically, including watermelon and cantaloupe. Lastly, there are a lot of trees that can be planted that don’t mind living in an urban environment such as rowan and apple trees.
2. Utilize Fire Escapes
A fire escape garden can be a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers while also keeping the space above your apartment clean and uncluttered. While some cities have laws against gardening on a fire escape, others allow it as long as the area remains accessible in case of emergencies. Gardeners who have this type of space can try a variety of small cultivars, including leafy greens and tomatoes, bush varieties of beans, peppers, and eggplants, as well as strawberries and herbs like basil or rosemary.
Be sure to use lightweight pots, since a large, heavy planter could fall off the roof and cause damage. A light, quick-draining potting soil is ideal for this type of garden. Vegetables that can be cut and come again also work well on a rooftop, such as lettuce and kale, along with perennial herbs like basil or oregano. Keep the space free of pests by using deterrents like netting or organic blood meal fertilizer.
3. Water Wisely
Urban gardening can be used to cultivate a wide variety of crops, but it is important to choose plants that will thrive in your setting. In general, herbs and leafy greens are a great option for most urban gardens as they don’t require much sunlight.
It is also crucial to consider water conservation with any urban garden. Water shortages are becoming more common in many areas and wasting water is not something that you want to be doing! To make sure that you are using your water wisely, try to only water when the soil is dry. This is especially important in the hot summer months!
Another way to conserve water is to use recycled materials for your urban garden. Shoe organizers, for example, are a good way to create a functional and budget-friendly planter. They can be hung from a wall and are perfect for growing herbs, vegetables or flowers! For a more permanent solution, you can also build a pallet wall planter that can be easily moved from one place to another.
4. Have Fun
Whether growing herbs on your porch, tomatoes on your balcony or vegetables in a backyard, an urban garden offers people the opportunity to grow fresh food, learn new skills and enjoy nature in the city. It is also a way for people to connect with other gardeners and help the environment.
Getting the most out of your space is important in any type of gardening. It’s a good idea to start from seeds instead of buying seedlings as this is more economical and allows you to choose exactly what you want to grow. Also, adding organic material to your soil is a great way to improve it. Items like eggshells, coffee grounds and flat beer add nutrients and can help reduce fungus in the soil.
Another tip for having fun in an urban garden is to encourage wildlife and bees to visit the garden. This will help pollinate the plants and can boost your harvest.