Creative Ways for Starting Your Own City Garden

Only a few things can provide the same level of fulfillment that can be gained from munching on a fruit or veggie that you yourself grew in your own garden. This is why gardening is still considered a popular pastime, especially in rural areas. Unfortunately for city dwellers, gardening seems unrealistic due to the soil being hard to come by in this type of environment.

Fortunately, with a little bit of creativity, you can start your own city garden. Here are some steps that can help you start. (1)

Learn The Fundamentals of Gardening

If you’ve never done gardening before, or have caused the death of a few houseplants back then, start by learning all gardening fundamentals. One of the best ways to learn gardening fundamentals is by watching videos and reading articles posted on the Internet. You can also learn gardening fundamentals by visiting the local library, where you can find numerous resources for beginners, and by taking part in gardening clubs in your area.

Be Creative With The Space You Have Right Now

Once you’ve done your homework, you can then begin planning your city garden. At this point, you most likely want to grow as many plants as you can in the small area you have. To make the most out of this little space, you need to exercise creativity. For example, if no horizontal space can be used to grow plants, grow vertically instead.

Are you an apartment-dweller without access to any green space? Start a container garden on the balcony or patio. Just make sure to grow plants that can survive in individual containers or miniature varieties of certain plants that normally grow large. Also, take into account proper soil drainage plus the amount of soil the roots of each plant will need.

Consider Upcycling

Upcycling is another amazing way to maximize the small space you have on your property. It involves taking any old and unwanted items and using them to come up with something new.

Examples

* Old wooden crates and wine boxes can be used as plant containers. Just make sure that they have good drainage, and that they are lined with landscaping fabric if slatted.

* Sections of windows that have glass intact can be put together to form a greenhouse. A greenhouse is a great way to grow warm-weather plants.

* Put shipping pallets and shutters together to create vertical gardens. With landscaping fabric and a staple gun, create pockets between slats. Each pocket is capable of holding bite-sized amounts of flower, berry, or herb.

* Old window frames can neatly divide a small space. Place one atop a raised bed to separate the plants and provide a neat appearance. In case the space you want to use is very tight, lean a window pane against a wall, then suspend a pot in each pane with twine.

Benefiting from upcycling means matching creations to the style of your apartment. For example, if your apartment unit looks sleek, choose pieces that look sleek. If the apartment unit was made to look rustic, then upcycle old and peeling pieces of wood.

Optional: Rainwater Collection

While water provided to you by utility companies is more than enough to ensure that your urban garden thrives, a rainwater harvesting or collection system can be added to the garden to allow you to save money whilst raising your vegetables and fruit-bearing plants. For best results, make sure a tank obtained from Rain Water Tanks Online Direct is part of your system.

A small property does not mean you cannot grow your own fruits and vegetables. Follow the above tips and choose plants that you can grow all year and be on your way to a healthier life in the city.