A beautiful community garden in an urban area can make the space pop out. Not only can you use beautiful mixes of flowers, but edible items can also be planted in these garden beds. Some areas where you might expect to find an urban garden are along sidewalks, on roof tops, in small patches of unused land, in small back or front yards and many more places. A co-op garden within an urban area is also not unheard of.
Growing Edibles
Edibles in gardens require a lot of moisture to keep growing. Choosing a garden bed or planter that is self-watering, that can contain moisture well and easily fits into the smaller space is ideal. Edibles such as herbs can also be grown in this manner, provide a beautiful appeal to an urban garden and ensure that you have a fresh supply whenever it is needed. Vegetables are another edible that is great to have in an urban garden. Smaller planters of tomatoes, cucumbers, greens and others can thrive in these smaller areas.
Growing Flowers
Choose plants that have a deep vertical root system and that are hearty. Choosing plants that do not have the necessary tools to survive out of the ground itself should not be planted in an urban garden. A lot of perennials are beautiful and can fill in empty spaces, especially in window sills, on front porches or decks and other areas around a home with bright colors. They can even be mixed in with the vegetables and herbs that you’re going to be growing to fill in the spaces and make them stand out a bit more. Annuals are also ideal when you’d like to have them come back each year without having to plant new flowers. However, how well they do in this area is up for debate. Sometimes the flowers will come back, sometimes they may not because of how shallow the pot is. Considering the pot that you use can make a difference. Ones that are larger and deeper fair better with annuals. Always remember to choose flowers that were meant for your area and the climate that you live in.
Tips for Your Urban Garden
It is important to note that when planting items together, they should require the same things and the same maintenance. Planting items that do not have a companion can cause problems for one or the other. Some common companions are beans, carrots and squash or tomatoes, basil and onions. Lettuce goes well with all types of herbs.
A soilless blend of dirt is what should be used. This blend is what retains the water so that the items planted can flourish. Watering is needed every day, as well as sunshine so where you place your plants can make all the difference on how well they do. When setting the items out in the open outside, wind can become a concern. Using heavier potted planters can reduce the chance of having them tip over and spill out.
When it comes time to build your urban garden, many items will flourish, even in such a small space. If you’re having trouble with the design and planting of the items, it is recommended that you speak with a landscaping contractor that does. They can make that boring space transform into fresh vegetables, herbs or even beautiful plants that can prosper and really lighten the area up and make it pop.
