My (Urban) Gardening Tips



If I had rasied beds and heeps of soil I'd write a different article.  But since we're cramped for green space, as are many in the DC area, I wrote an article for Metrocurean on urban gardening tips.  Enjoy here or check it out on Metrocurean!


....................................................................................................................................................................

It's not easy growing greens in a big city. In fact, if you've had a garden or any form of green space in another life, thinking of planting a garden with the teeny 3-by-3-foot space you may now have can be downright depressing.


Consider myself someone who recently had the shock of walking through a garden center realizing I couldn't grow tomatoes or zucchini or chard this year. My plot was too small and my sunshine lacking. Instead, I opted for some potted herbs that I hope to see partial sun and an array of red and white impatiens for the shady plot of soil I do have.


If you're not so lucky to have soil, perhaps there's a place for you to put some pots — even a sunny spot in your kitchen. Growing food in a city is all about being resourceful.


Here are a few helpful green thumb tips:


Potted herbs are a great starting point. Mint likes its own pot or it'll take over if it's with others.

Basil and tomatoes love the sun.


Cherry tomatoes work well for small areas as they don't grow too high or become as cumbersome as full sized tomato plants.


Thyme, oregano, sage and rosemary are great culinary herbs and can do with partial sun.



Whether you're gardening in pots or the ground, take the time to prepare the soil with a good organic mix like Bumper Crop.


Raised beds with all new soil are a good idea for urban back yards. The existing ground soil can have undesirable elements like lead.


No room for green space at all? Look into community gardens around town. Washington Gardener offers some resources for finding a garden near you.

2 comments

  1. Fun tips! I'm doing a potted herb garden for the first time this summer, and I love it! I feel very Pioneer-girl when I get to pull a few leaves of basil or parsley off for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes! Isn't that the best? Tastes so much better fresh and cheaper too!

    ReplyDelete