Start an Urban Garden means growing plants in the city, even when you have very little space. You can grow plants on a balcony, terrace, window, or small corner of your home. I also started my urban garden in a small space, and from my experience, I can say that anyone can do it.
When I started, I had no big plan. I just wanted fresh plants near me and some peace in my daily life. Slowly, I learned many things by doing mistakes, and today my small urban garden is healthy and full of life.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why I Start an Urban Gardening
City life is very busy and stressful. Vegetables from the market are costly and full of chemicals. I wanted something natural and peaceful. That is why I started urban gardening.
In the beginning, I was not sure if plants would survive in a city home. But when I saw the first new leaf, I felt very happy. That moment gave me confidence to continue.
Step 1: Choose a Small Space
You do not need a big garden to start.
You can use:
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Window area
- Small open space
From my experience, sunlight is very important.
Watch your space for 2–3 days and see how much sunlight it gets.
- 4–6 hours sunlight → good for vegetables
- 2–3 hours sunlight → good for herbs
I started with my balcony, and it worked well.
Step 2: Start With Few Plants
This is my biggest learning.
At first, I planted too many plants and got confused. Some plants died because I could not take proper care.
So I suggest:
- Start with 4–5 plants only
- Learn slowly
- Add more plants later
Best plants to start with:
- Mint
- Tulsi
- Coriander
- Green chilli
- Tomato
These plants grow easily and give quick results.
Step 3: Use Simple Containers
You don’t need to buy expensive pots.
I used:
- Old buckets
- Plastic bottles
- Old pots
- Any container at home
Just remember one thing:
Make holes at the bottom for water drainage.
Without holes, water stays inside and roots get damaged.
Step 4: Prepare Simple Soil Mix
Good soil keeps plants healthy.
This is the soil mix I use:
- Garden soil
- Compost or vermicompost
- Cocopeat or sand
Mix everything well. This soil holds water and also gives food to plants. From my experience, good soil makes plants strong.
Step 5: Water Carefully
Most beginners make one mistake – watering too much. I also did this mistake.
My simple rule:
- Touch the soil before watering
- If soil is dry → water
- If soil is wet → wait
Water plants in the morning time. Do not water every day without checking.
Step 6: Give Right Sunlight
Not all plants need strong sunlight.
From my experience:
- Vegetables need more sunlight
- Herbs need medium sunlight
- Indoor plants need light but not direct sun
If sunlight is very strong, keep plants in shade for some time.
Step 7: Use Natural Fertilizer
I always use organic fertilizer.
Simple options:
- Vermicompost
- Homemade compost
- Banana peel water
Use fertilizer once in 10–15 days. Too much fertilizer is harmful.
Step 8: Protect Plants From Insects
Small insects may come. Do not worry.
I use:
- Neem oil spray once a week
- Clean leaves regularly
- Remove insects by hand
Healthy plants do not get many pests.
Step 9: Spend Time With Your Plants
This is very important.
I spend 5–10 minutes daily with my plants. I check leaves, soil, and growth. Plants show problems through yellow leaves or weak stems.
When you give time, plants grow better.
My Experience With Urban Gardening
Urban gardening gave me:
- Fresh and healthy food
- Peace of mind
- Less stress
- Happiness
- Connection with nature
It became a part of my daily life.
Conclusion
If you want to start urban gardening, just start with one plant. Do not wait for perfect time.
Urban gardening is about learning, patience, and care.
From my experience, plants teach us to slow down and enjoy small things in life.
Start today, and your small garden will slowly grow with you.
