Hey there, fellow urban homesteaders! Mike here, ready to dive into one of my favorite topics! Starting an urban garden. If you’re new to the game and feeling a bit intimidated, don’t worry! We’ve all been there. In fact, let me share a quick (and somewhat embarrassing) story about my first foray into gardening. Spoiler alert – it didn’t go well haha!
The Humble Beginnings- Starting an Urban Garden
Years ago, when I first decided to transform my tiny balcony into a lush urban garden, I was filled with excitement and optimism. I went out, bought a bunch of seeds, and planted them with all the enthusiasm of a newbie gardener. I watered them diligently and waited for the magic to happen. And waited. And waited.
Turns out, I had no idea what I was doing. My poor plants didn’t stand a chance. They shriveled up, turned brown, and eventually died. I was devastated. But instead of giving up, I decided to learn from my mistakes and give it another shot. And I’m so glad I did! Fast forward to today, and my urban garden is thriving.
What I didn’t realize is that I needed to know growing seasons for my area, watering and fertilizer requirements and to grow plants that I actually wanted to eat. Some of my plants were in full sun all day, which cooked them! Some I over watered so essentially drowned them. So once I took a step back and actually focused on a few plants at a time rather than an instant market garden I started to see success in my urban garden. It inspired me to keep growing and try new plants.
So, if you’re worried about failing, remember: even the best gardeners started somewhere. With a little persistence and the right plants, you can create a beautiful garden in any small space. Here are five easy plants to get you started on your urban gardening journey.
1. Basil: The Versatile Herb
Basil is a fantastic plant for beginners. It’s incredibly forgiving and grows well in small spaces. Plus, it’s a versatile herb that you can use in a variety of dishes. To get started, plant basil seeds in a pot with well-draining soil. Place the pot in a sunny spot, as basil loves sunlight. Water it regularly, but make sure the soil isn’t too soggy. With a little care, you’ll have fresh basil ready for your homemade pesto in no time.
2. Tomatoes: The Urban Gardener’s Delight
Tomatoes are another great option for urban gardeners. They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even in small garden beds. Cherry tomatoes are particularly easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. Plant your tomato seeds or seedlings in nutrient-rich soil and place them in a sunny location. Water them consistently (don’t drown them!), and consider using a tomato cage or stakes to support the plants as they grow. Cherry tomatoes are a great variety to start out with, they grow fast and give beautiful fruit. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying sweet, homegrown tomatoes.
3. Lettuce: The Quick Grower
If you’re looking for a fast-growing plant, lettuce is the way to go. It’s perfect for small spaces and can be harvested within a few weeks of planting. You can grow lettuce in pots, window boxes, or even in shallow trays. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them in a spot that gets partial sunlight. Water them regularly, and you’ll soon have fresh, crisp lettuce for your salads. You can cut the leaves as they grow, harvesting what you need each time. This way they will keep growing and producing more and more leaves for you. Yum!
4. Radishes: The Beginner’s Root Vegetable
Radishes are one of the easiest root vegetables to grow, making them ideal for novice gardeners. They mature quickly, often within a month, and can be grown in small pots or garden beds. Plant radish seeds in loose, well-draining soil and place them in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll have crunchy, peppery radishes in no time. They’re a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
5. Mint: The Hardy Herb
Mint is a hardy herb that thrives with minimal effort. It’s perfect for small urban gardens because it grows vigorously and can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. However, mint can be invasive, so it’s best to plant it in a pot to keep it contained. Place the pot in a sunny or partially shaded area and water it regularly. You’ll have a fresh supply of mint for teas, mojitos, and more.
Persistence Pays Off
Starting an urban garden might seem daunting at first, but with a little persistence and the right plants, you can create a thriving green space. Remember my story: even if your first attempt doesn’t go as planned, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes, keep trying, and soon you’ll be enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of your labor.
Gardening is a journey, and every gardener has their own unique story. It doesn’t need to be extravagant when you start, it is just about getting started!
So, grab your pots, seeds, and watering cans, and get started on your urban gardening adventure. Happy planting!
