City and urban gardening is quickly gaining popularity as increasing amounts of people begin to embrace sustainable and green living, even if space is at a premium.
There are so many ways to turn your urban garden into a lush, green haven. In this article, we’ll be discussing our top tips and tricks for making the most out of your small garden space.
The right plants
It’s important to ensure you pick out low-maintenance, space-saving plants that are best suited to urban gardens.
You don’t just need to go for compact plants to fill the small space. Plants with great foliage and strong, architectural form will have a significant impact and help create the illusion of a larger space.
Consider implementing vertical gardening so you don’t just have to compromise on floor space. Use walls and fences to your advantage by growing climbers.
Container gardening also offers flexible growing opportunities, particularly if you’re short on space. Many plants can easily be grown in containers, including bedding plants, fruits and vegetables, and shrubs. Be sure to choose the right-sized containers for your chosen plants, as well as the right location and compost.
Preparing the garden
It’s best to prepare new beds and borders during early autumn, so you’re ready to start planting at the end of the year.
You can prepare the ground by marking out areas and clearing any grass or weeds. Remove any turf with a spade or shovel. Begin digging to remove the roots of any persistent weeds so you have a fresh base for your new plants.
You’ll need to create a practical irrigation system for your garden, too. To do this, you’ll need a hose, a cap to screw on the end, and a drill to create some holes. Placing the cap on the hose will ensure the water easily flows through the holes. Then, simply feed the hose through your plants so the water is evenly distributed.
Aesthetics and function
It’s important to focus on the aesthetics and overall function of your urban garden. If you don’t properly maintain it or care for its overall appearance, it could start to look cramped, making it look even smaller than it already is.
A good way to improve your garden’s aesthetic is by adding solar lighting to help bring your urban space to life. You can also combine seating areas among your planters to utilise the space and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Overcome challenges
You’ll likely come across some common challenges when creating your urban garden, such as limited space, lack of sunlight, and noise pollution, which you’ll need to learn to overcome. For instance, if your garden doesn’t see a lot of sunlight, there are plenty of plants that can thrive without it.
