Do you live in the city, but would love to grow vegetables? Find out how to start an urban garden even if you are a complete beginner.

Many people, myself included, have yearned to escape to the countryside lately. The simple life definitely seems to beckon. But is this an impossible dream just because you live in the city? No, it doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to all your desires for some self sufficiency.

How to Make Your Own Urban Garden

When you live in an urban setting, you might be resigned to the idea that gardening isn’t an option for you. But that’s really not the case, and many gardening strategies cater to those living in the city and in small spaces.

You just have to plan differently than someone who has an acre of wide open space in the country. Or a large suburban backyard to grow food in. Your space is more contained, and may even have limited light, if towering buildings don’t allow for much light to get through.

In some major cities, the city or building owners will allow limited space to be used for the community to grow food in together. But you might want to own an urban garden that’s reserved for you and your family.

Where to Grow in an Urban Garden

You can grow food on your balcony, in your apartment, or on the roof of your building. This will depend on what’s allowed and what isn’t in your own building. You can use gardening strategies that don’t rely on ample plots of soil. Things like hydroponic gardening, container gardening, vertical gardening and more. Read more about planning your garden layout.

Use Space Wisely

You can use vertical gardening to make the most of your growing space. You don’t lose floor space from your vertical planting. Hydroponic gardening is when you’re growing food in nutrient-rich water.

When you’re growing a garden in an urban area, consider making the most of your space. Ensure you plant the most nutritional crops for the space. You can grow plants that will grow quite quickly, like microgreens. These will grow fast and taste great.

There are some very easy crops to grow in containers within an urban environment. Things like tomatoes, potatoes, beans and peppers. One of the best things to try is leafy greens like lettuce. These do well in fairly shallow pots where you have limited space, too. Having just a handful of your own produce will brighten any meal.

Remember that not only can you grow things in containers on the ground, but you can take up all available space to grow your food. Besides vertical containers, you can find hanging pots to grow things in.

These are especially good if you live in a tall apartment building and have a small balcony to work with. Some hanging planters will grow the vegetables upside down, such as certain tomato or strawberry planters.

Bring the Outdoors In

You can also grow a garden inside as part of your room décor with the greenery it creates. Look for attractive planters and containers that work well in your space. Use them to bring warmth and an inviting nature to the room.

Remember that just because you live in a city, doesn’t mean you can’t grow anything. Evaluate the space that you have, and I’m sure you will be able to grow a few fruits and vegetables.