Ten top urban planting tips

1. Consider container growing:

Don’t own that mansion with rolling green gardens yet? Relax, you don’t need acres of land to get planting, and there’s no harm in starting small and manageable. Advantages to starting with container planting include space, easier access to watering and the ability to “follow” the sun. And just about any plant or vegetable can start out in a container. Weeding is also minimal.

2. Container selection:

It’s tempting to want to go with the funky and pretty pots first, we know, but make sure the containers you select will give your plants room to grow, taking into consideration the expected size the plant should reach. Holes for drainage are also important. Typically plants in clay pots need more watering than other containers.

3. Soil selection:

The correct soil is key to a successful urban garden. If your garden soil has not received too much love lately, then consider commercial potting soil. The pH of your soil is important so if you are not sure how to check, there are cool gadgets from the local nursery that can help you – alternatively don’t be shy with the compost if your soil is out of the ideal pH range.

4. Magic mulching:

When you plant in containers in full sun you may want to consider a layer of mulch on the top of the soil to help retain moisture in the soil. Up to 70% of water can evaporate from the soil on a hot day if you don’t have mulch as a protective layer on top. It really is one of the best moisture holding strategies around.

5. Be water wise:

Clean water is vital for any urban garden. Water pots later in the afternoon – research suggests that watering container plants in the afternoon may lead to healthier, stronger growing plants compared to container plants watered early in the morning. The next time you boil or steam vegetables, don’t pour the water down the drain, use it to water potted patio plants, and you’ll be amazed at how the plants respond to the “vegetable soup.”

6. Plant smart:

Do your homework before you start planting. Some species live better in an urban environment than others. Start with plants that have low water needs – these will save you time and money in the garden. Grow drought resistant veggies too – things like green beans, brinjals, beetroot, carrots or Swiss chard are considered pretty hardy.

7. Sunny spots:

Sunlight is crucial, make sure that you find a place where the plant has access to at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.

8. One pot veggie garden:

The smallest and simplest of urban gardens is simply a single pot, packed with as many herbs and veggies as possible. Get yourself a galvanised water trough, drill some drainage holes, fill it with soil and then plant complementary groups of plants together.

9. Plant friends:

Companion planting is worth looking into when growing a variety of products in a small space. Some plants are not as compatible as others in close quarters – kind of like people.

10. Keep it organised:

You’ve got these amazing herbs and now you want to cook with them – so keep it organised. There are lots of funky ways to keep your garden coordinated. Simple ice-cream sticks is an easy way to mark what is what. And you can style them any way you want. Use paint, markers, washi tape, or even use chalkboard paint to make them even more customisable.