Gardening In Urban Settings
The modern world has seen a rapid decline in the era of homesteading and the gardener’s immediate access to large areas of gardening space. In this world, many gardeners are naturally confined to small urban spaces within apartments and small backyards. This trend has unfortunately made the task of gardening all the more difficult, with many being confronted with the challenges of gardening within a small urban garden landscape.
Some Essential Tips
Gardening in an urban setting requires a little more planning than it might in a larger space, however part of this challenge is what makes the experience all the more rewarding. With a little creativity, you will soon be able to turn the concrete jungle into your own horticultural jungle. Let’s take a look at a few of the essential tips and tricks that you will want to use to get the most out of your small spaces.
Containers Are Your Best Friend
When it comes to urban gardening it is almost universally agreed upon that containers are the urban gardener’s best friend. You simply won’t be able to get anywhere without the assistance that these useful pots, planters, and boxes will provide you with. Urban locations will often not have soil to plant directly into, forcing the gardener to rely on soil they bring in themselves.
Containers are the urban gardener's best friend!
Containers are therefore a requirement for many people and they come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Consider using containers that match the colors and dynamic of your urban garden when you are preparing these spaces. These containers should be able to serve the needs of your gardening space, so make sure that the container is adequately sized, being neither too small nor too large for the space.
Vertical Gardening
Another way to take advantage of the fact that you will be limited by space in an urban setting is the use of vertical gardening. Vertical gardening is all about incorporating trellising and the height of your space to maximize your space in the most efficient way possible. This technique is particularly creative and can often be used in conjunction with containers to make sure the gardening space is completely utilized.
Vertical gardening is all about using trellising and the height of your space.
Raised Beds
Raised beds are a great way to get your plants elevated. Getting your plants up and off the ground at eye level will allow you to not only enjoy them at a more comfortable angle, but will also allow them to set roots in deeper soil than they might in a short planter. These are a great way to have a more permanent gardening location for your plants in an urban setting.
Getting your plants up and off the ground at eye level will allow you to not only enjoy them at a more comfortable angle, but will also allow them to set roots in deeper soil.
Sunshine & Hot Spots
Perhaps the most uncontrollable aspect of urban gardening is the presence, or lack thereof of sunlight. Sunlight is often one of the most important factors in the gardening equation, critical to the very survival of a number of plants and often helping some plants to create the most vibrant colors they can. The lack of sunlight in an urban gardening situation can sometimes make the task a little harder. The presence of sunlight throughout the day to your urban garden is often uncontrollable, so make sure to assess just how much sunshine the area gets and plan out what plants you are able to plant in this location.
The lack of sunlight in an urban gardening situation can sometimes make the task a little harder
While the lack of sunshine can make things difficult, it is also sometimes the case in urban settings that reflection and the surface on which the garden exists can seriously affect the garden. Too much sunshine reflected harshly or too much heat radiating from a surface can harm your plants that might be more sensitive to temperature and the elements. Make sure to check for spots in your gardening space that could quickly become too hot for the welfare of the plants that you are planning on adding to the garden.
Window Boxes
Using all the available space you have in an urban area sometimes requires using all the possible space that you have at your disposal. In this instance you can even use your window space to grow flowers and other plants and vegetables. Window boxes are perfect for those apartment dwellers with little to no space outdoors for a garden. Make sure that you find a window box that complements the window that it is placed in and will allow your plants to thrive.
You can even use your window space to grow flowers and other plants and vegetables.
Terrariums & Wardian Cases
If you have found yourself in the unavoidable position of not having anywhere to grow your plants outside, your options will again be a little more limited, but there is hope for your garden. Terrariums are a great way to grow smaller plants indoors, the small glass boxes will keep in heat and moisture as well, making your gardening experience as smooth as it possibly can be. When looking for terrariums or Wardian cases there are a number of different sizes and shapes to explore, so look for the option that best fits your circumstances and you won’t be disappointed.