What to plant in an urban garden: a complete guide based on the space available

  • Make the most of every inch of space in your urban garden
  • Fast-growing herbs and vegetables are ideal for small spaces
  • With more space, you can grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruit trees.

Getting started in urban gardens

what to plant in an urban garden

Sustainability is within everyone's reach and one of the clearest examples is the urban garden. An urban garden is a space intended for food production that is located within urban areas, such as cities or towns. Its main objective is to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and other edible plants in a sustainable manner. sustainable financing model and local. However, many people are faced with the question of what to plant in an urban garden depending on available space, crop variety, climate, and many other factors.

In this article, we will delve into how to plan and take advantage of the space in your urban garden, addressing which plants are ideal to grow depending on the climate zone and type of plantation.

Where are urban gardens located?

home garden crops

Urban gardens are often found in a variety of locations within urban areas. From backyards to rooftops, balconies, and parks, any available space within the city can be turned into a small, sustainable growing ecosystem. These spaces can range in size from small planters to larger community plots.

One of the main reasons why urban gardens have gained popularity is that they allow us to have closer control over the food we consume, promoting healthier and more sustainable eating. In addition, they contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation and packaging of food products.

Beyond personal benefits, urban gardens are also spaces for social interaction. They often become meeting points for neighbors who wish to share knowledge, strengthen community ties, and foster ecological awareness. In urban areas, where connection with nature can be limited, gardens provide a revitalizing experience.

In the process of growing an urban garden, various essential activities are carried out such as preparing the soil, sowing seeds or seedlings, watering, removing weeds and finally harvesting. As we will see below, knowing what to plant in an urban garden is key to maximizing performance even in tight spaces.

What to plant in an urban garden with little space

What to plant in a small urban garden

When we have limited space in our urban garden, we must make the most of every available centimetre. Fortunately, there are solutions such as growing tables, stackable planters and hanging pots that allow us to maximise the use of vertical space. Here are some of the most recommended plantings for small urban gardens:

  • Aromatic herbs: Plants like parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, thyme and rosemary are ideal for small spaces. They grow well in small pots and require little maintenance, making them a perfect choice for beginners.
  • Lettuce and spinach: These vegetables grow quickly and don't need much space. You can plant them in planters or hanging pots to take advantage of vertical space, and harvest them continuously.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Another excellent option for small spaces is cherry tomatoes, which you can grow in pots or hanging plants. Being compact plants, they adapt very well to balconies and terraces.
  • RadishesRadishes are ideal for small urban gardens due to their rapid growth and compact size.
  • Strawberries: Growing strawberries in hanging pots or planters is extremely practical. They are quite sturdy and do not take up much space.
  • Miniature zucchini and cucumbers: Some dwarf varieties of zucchini and cucumbers are specially designed for urban cultivation. These plants do not require much space and will give you fruits in no time.
  • Dwarf peppers and chilliesThere are also varieties of peppers and chili peppers that adapt well to small growing spaces.
  • Onions and garlic in pots: You can grow green onions and garlic in medium-sized pots. They are easy to care for and adapt well to any space.

What to plant in an urban garden with more space

If you're lucky enough to have a larger space in your urban garden, whether on a rooftop, a garden roof, or a larger patio, you can branch out and experiment with a wider variety of crops. Here are some options that require more space, but offer a bountiful harvest:

  • large tomatoes: Unlike cherry tomatoes, larger varieties such as vine or heirloom tomatoes need more space and support to grow properly.
  • Pumpkins and courgettes: Pumpkins and courgettes not only require space to grow, but also support structures if you want them to climb. They are crops that offer large harvests.
  • Eggplants: Although eggplants can be grown in medium-sized spaces, they require a little more care and space than other crops. However, they are an excellent option to add variety to your garden.
  • AsparagusAsparagus is a perennial crop, meaning that once you plant it, it will continue to produce for several years. Although it requires time and patience, it is worth the investment.
  • Fruit bushes: If you have enough sunlight, planting fruit bushes such as blackberries, raspberries, currants or blueberries is a great option. These fruits are delicious and will add diversity to your garden.
  • Leafy vegetables: In a spacious urban garden, you can grow more varieties of leafy vegetables such as arugula, chard or endive, enjoying fresh salads throughout the season.
  • dwarf fruit trees: If you have a large enough area, you can consider growing dwarf fruit trees such as apple or cherry trees in large containers. Designed for urban gardens, these trees produce delicious fruit without requiring much space.
  • Climbing Legumes: Planting peas, broad beans or kidney beans is a great way to take advantage of vertical space and enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Additional care for urban gardens

plant in an urban garden

In addition to choosing the right plants, it is important to understand what type of substratum and containers to use in your urban garden. In limited spaces, the use of pots, growing tables and planters is an excellent option. Make sure that the containers have a good drainage system to prevent the roots from rotting.

As for substrates, it is best to opt for light options with good porosity, such as a mixture of coconut fiber y earthworm humusThis combination retains just the right amount of water and nutrients, allowing plants to grow healthy and strong.

As to irrigationA drip irrigation system can be a great investment to maintain the proper humidity level, especially in the summer. Self-watering planters are also a great option for those who cannot devote time to watering every day.

Finally, remember that some climbing plants, such as tomatoes and beans, will need stakes or support structures to grow properly. Installing netting or rods can help optimize vertical space and improve the yield of the garden.

With an urban garden, you will not only be producing fresh food, but you will also be doing your part in the fight against climate change by reducing your ecological footprint and promoting a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get down to work and create your own green space in the city. From small balconies to large rooftops, every space can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable life.


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