As the days grow longer and warmer, urban gardens are coming to life across cities. From balcony boxes overflowing with tomatoes to community garden plots bursting with kale and zucchini, urban gardeners are getting their hands dirty and embracing the joys of growing their own food.
The Benefits of Urban Gardening Urban gardening offers numerous benefits beyond just fresh and flavorful produce. It reconnects people to nature and the cycles of the seasons right in the midst of a concrete jungle. Gardening is also wonderful exercise and a proven stress-reliever. And of course, urban gardens make productive use of small plots of land that might otherwise go to waste.
Getting Started with Seeds or Starter Plants Spring is prime time to start an urban garden. Beginners may want to start small by growing a few potted herbs or vegetables in containers. Good starter choices include tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, radishes, and bush beans. Another option is to buy starter plants from a nursery and transplant them to your garden plot. Be sure to harden off seedlings before transplanting by letting them spend a few hours outdoors each day.
Seeds can also be started indoors and then transplanted out later. Check seed packets for instructions on when and how to start them inside. Fruiting crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers need to be started 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside after danger of frost has passed.
Caring for Your Urban Garden Once plants are in the ground, they’ll need consistent care and maintenance. Make sure they receive enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Adding compost or fertilizer will enrich the soil. Remove weeds diligently so they don’t outcompete your veggies. Check plants regularly for pests and signs of disease.
Companion Planting Cheatsheet
Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plant species next to each other for mutual benefit. Some plant pairings help deter pests, provide nutrients, or optimally share resources. Use this cheatsheet to plan your urban garden layout.
Tomatoes
- Plant with: Basil, carrots, chives, cucumbers, marigolds, mint, nasturtiums, parsley
- Avoid planting with: Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), fennel, potatoes
Peppers
- Plant with: Basil, carrots, tomatoes, radish, spinach, geraniums
- Avoid planting with: Fennel, apricot trees
Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
- Plant with: Beets, carrots, radish, corn, dill, mint, chives
- Avoid planting with: Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Carrots
- Plant with: Chives, leeks, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, radish
- Avoid planting with: Dill, parsnips
Cucumbers
- Plant with: Beans, corn, dill, peas, radishes, sunflowers
- Avoid planting with: Potatoes, aromatic herbs
Beans
- Plant with: Carrots, corn, cucumbers, potatoes, radish, strawberries
- Avoid planting with: Chives, garlic, leeks, onions
Marigolds
- Plant with: Just about anything! Deters nematodes, mosquitoes, other pests.
- Avoid planting with: None
Herbs
- Plant with: Just about any veggies, improves flavor
- Avoid planting with: None
This basic cheatsheet covers some of the most popular pairings for urban vegetable and herb gardens. Do more research based on the specific crops you want to grow. With smart companion planting, you can create a harmonious garden ecosystem!
If you don’t have a yard, consider joining a community garden if one is available in your area. Or get creative with planters on a patio, balcony, or even a fire escape. With some soil, sunlight, water, and tender loving care, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all spring and summer long.
No matter the size or location, an urban garden is a rewarding project that connects you to the natural cycle of growing food. So get digging this spring and enjoy fresh air, exercise, and hyper-local produce!
