Urban Gardening For Beginners
Amidst stone, steel, and glass, the introduction of a green garden spot seems like an act of regenerative defiance.
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Urban gardening brings more than just a few vegetables, herbs, or flowers for your enjoyment. It’s a way of reclaiming a connection to the natural world and beautifying the spaces so many people call home. There isn’t much space for growing things in a condo, row home, or high-rise apartment building. You might only have a balcony, a corner of a rooftop, or a tiny slip of concrete patio out back. No matter how much space you have, it is possible to introduce green to your life and reap all the benefits that gardening provides.
All gardens need three things: space, water, and light. When you live in a city, space and light are the most challenging to find. Focus on light first. While you can buy grow lamps and have a miniature garden inside, natural light is always better. Plus, it doesn’t use precious electricity. Track the natural flow of the sun throughout the day to help figure out what plants you can support. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a rooftop spot, the sky’s the limit.
You aren’t going to harvest pumpkins or plant rows of corn anywhere in a metro area. When space is limited, think small. Herbs always win and improve your healthy, sustainable meals, too. Micro greens are another great grower. If you have sufficient outdoor space, consider flowers and herbs that attract and support pollinators, too. Biological diversity makes for strong ecosystems. Supporting populations of beneficial insects is a great way to help.
Think sustainability in urban gardening. Use natural soaps for dishwashing so that you can repurpose the gray water to water your plants. If this isn’t an option, a bucket in the shower to catch unused water before it goes down the drain can prevent waste. Kitchen scraps can serve as healthy, organic compost for any size garden or plant pot. The more circular you make the entire process, the better it is for the world.
Consider moving beyond your patio or balcony into the greater world. Community or neighborhood gardens not allow for growing more or larger plants, they also help promote working together. Look into vacant lot reclamation projects. Existing co-op gardens may already exist in your area. These offer the perfect opportunity to find like-minded friends on the way to harvest time.
To some, a garden is simply a place to get some produce or flowers. When you look deeper into the process of creating and maintaining one, however, you unearth more regenerative lifestyle concepts. The physical act of working with soil and other natural elements can reduce stress and sooth emotional strain. The knowledge that you’re contributing to a greener, healthier world does, too.
Whether you choose an urban lifestyle or are forced into it out of career necessity, there are ways to incorporate gardening and growth into every day. Find your spot, focus on sustainability, and harvest the rewards of your efforts in alignment with nature itself.
