Pic by Peter Blanchard
With the rising cost of food in many areas of the world, thrifty urban gardeners have come up with some truly clever ways to have their own vegetable gardens despite the space constraints.
Gardeners living in large apartment buildings often start communal rooftop gardens.
By maximizing the unused space of their roof and the human power of all the tenants these thrifty plant lovers have been able to create truly amazing and huge gardens. People living in homes with very small backyards; have found ways to grow their own food as well.
Vertical gardening is a trend that allows for small spaces to yield great results, by encouraging the plants to grow upwards as apposed to outwards.
Planting containers is also a big trend for people lacking a lawn; by planting their vegetables in big pots they can create the feel of a green backyard where there is none.
If you are new to the urban gardening game, here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
1) Feed your soil. By giving your soil lots of fertilizer, such as scrap compost, or animal waste you will ensure the soil is rich enough to grow healthy plants.
2) Mulch your garden. Use straw or leaves to cover the soil around your plants. This will keep water in, prevent weeds from growing, and trap heat, which enriches the soil.
3) Talk to gardening neighbors. Ask them what worked well for them; they will have many tips and tricks for you.