Urban gardens in city environments are becoming more and more popular every year. A city apartment or small house may not offer the ideal environment for a big flower or vegetable garden, you still have options. Even in the smallest setting you can still add some plants to your life that not only bring you pleasure and perhaps a source of tasty food but can also add to your décor and the ambience of your home sweet home.
In this article, we will discuss how to start your urban garden in six easy steps. We are going to focus on environments that do not have access to in-ground gardening. Let’s take a look at how you can get your own garden started with ease!
How to Start an Urban Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide
Find and Define Your Space
If you are lucky enough to have a place with a balcony or terrace, it shouldn’t be too hard to decide which space you will use. If you have a city rowhouse with a small front and/or back yard, even better. We’ll address setting up a garden in that environment in a future post. If you do not have an outdoor living area, don’t worry – indoor gardening can be just as successful and rewarding as outdoor gardening.
The first step in starting your urban garden is assessing the space where you can grow your plants. You will want to measure the area to determine how large your garden can be. You will likely be using pots or other containers, so you need to allow for their dimensions. The size of your garden area will be one factor in determining the types of plants that you will be able to grow. Don’t forget to think vertically as well as horizontally in terms of your space. Wall space can also be utilized for growing plants.
You will need to consider the amount of sunlight and shade that the area receives. The direction your garden area faces is the key determinant. If you have a north facing balcony, for example, the sun is going to be blocked considerably by your building. East facing gets morning sun, west, afternoon sun. Southern exposures are preferred, particularly during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.
If you have no outdoor space and your garden will be 100% indoors, first see if you can set it up in a window. If you don’t have a window that receives several hours of sunlight a day, then you are most likely going to need to set up some indoor plant lights as well. We’ll cover gardening with indoor grow lighting extensively in a future blog.
You will also want to consider other factors, like access to water. If you have a chance to run a hose or a small irrigation line, that can make life simpler when watering your plants. Or maybe you can set up a rain barrel on your terrace that will capture water you can use for your plants.
Pick Out Your Pots
Pots and containers are your first go-to option when designing and setting up your urban garden. When picking out your pots, consider your space requirements and how many plants you want to grow in each. You can add extra dimension to your garden by incorporating a few large pots and a few smaller ones.
If you want to get even more creative, you can even hang a few containers from the ceiling. There are lots of plant hanger options to chose from. macrame plant hangers are one classic idea.
Choose the Plants You Want to Grow
The type of plants that you will be able to grow depends on the shape, size, and light-exposure of your urban garden. If you have plenty of sunlight, for example, lavender is a great option. On the other hand, if you don’t receive much sunlight, you can opt for shade-loving plants such as dracaena or English ivy.
The limit to the number of plants that you can grow is the amount of space you have. Planning is essential, but don’t be shy when picking out a range of different species. The various colors, shapes and textures will add variety and that little something extra to your garden. Also, especially with vegetables and herbs, pick plants you know you like. There’s no sense in having a pot of cilantro, if you don’t like it!
Seeds or Seedlings?
Once you have selected which plants you want to grow, you will need to procure them. You’ve got several options.
If you are an inexperienced gardener, the best idea might be to simply buy vegetable seedlings, flowers or potted house plants. This way, you will not have to start from scratch when designing your urban garden. Growing plants from seed is a more time consuming and somewhat more difficult part of the job. However, buying ready grown plants is more expensive.
If you want to grow your pants from seed, you will find much more variety in your plant selection. Although it won’t be possible to grow every plant from seed. It will take a little bit longer and more work for your garden to start taking shape, but it will all be worth it in the end. You’ll have the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from sprouts to maturity. Plus, it is budget-friendly. You will be able to grow more plants for less money.
Another budget friendly option is to propagate plants. This is also the best approach for many houseplants. Certain houseplants propagate readily. So, if you have a friend with a philodendron, spider plant, jade plant, begonia, or African violets, ask them for a few cuttings and you can easily get your own plants going. If you don’t know anyone, check Craigslist or other community bulletin boards. You can often find people who are pruning plants and offering free cuttings.
Get Planting
Once you have sprouted your seeds, purchased your seedlings, or propagated some new plants, you will want to get them planted in their permanent pots or containers. The quicker you get this job done, the quicker your urban garden will take shape.
Ensure that you use a soil that is suitable for potted plants. If you purchase a good quality potting mix at a garden center that should work fine. Additionally, you will want to consider some fertilizer. Osmocote is a great brand of slow release fertilizer that is very easy to use. Potted plants do require a little more work than in-ground garden bed plants, but it will be worth all the effort.
Nurture Your Plants
You cannot simply leave your plants once you have potted them, set them in their sunny location and expect them to thrive. You have to nurture them with the attention and the maintenance that they need in order to stay healthy.
Research how often you should water your specific plants. This will ensure that you do not over-water them, which can also cause significant damage. Additionally, many indoor gardeners supplement existing light with grow lights to ensure their plants can thrive.
Be cautious if you have a full sun exposure balcony, deck, patio, driveway, rooftop or other hard surface. In summer months these surfaces can reflect a lot of heat and damage your plants. You may need to provide some shade in an environment like that.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in an city environment may take a little more planning and preparation. But each year more people are creating urban gardens to their living spaces.
The benefits are well known. Plants help purify the air in your indoor spaces and can supplement your food intake with delicious fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.
More significantly, gardening is a relaxing hobby that has a rhythm very different from the 24/7 digital world. Unplugging and taking a break, even for a few minutes each day, to take care of your plants and garden, can be a great stress reliever.
Happy Gardening!