It’s no secret that urban areas are becoming denser and bigger than ever. It’s not surprising since most people prefer to live in the cities. However, as of late, things have been changing direction. Especially since the pandemic, more people than ever started looking for bigger homes with gardens that would allow them to get a bit of the rural perks and comfort.

If you can’t move or switch your urban lifestyle for a rural one, yet you’re among the unfortunate ones not to have that big home with a spacious yard for a garden, there’s still a solution for you – it’s called urban gardening. It’s not impossible when you have the right tools and knowledge to pull it off. Here are some tips on how to create a green area in your home.

Find a Suitable Garden Space

The first thing that comes to mind when creating an urban garden is outdoor space or lack of it. But don’t let this put you off from having your own garden – the trick is to be creative.

Do you have a balcony? Even the smallest one would do since you can use the vertical space to your advantage. Don’t have a balcony? Not to worry, a large window would do just as much! Pick out the small pots and disperse them all over the windowsill. If this option is a no-go, why not make an indoor garden with the help of stylish white planter boxes that will seamlessly blend into any space?

The beauty of these is that they serve a double purpose: offering ample space for your plants and enhancing the décor of your home. The bonus is you can use them to cover up odd empty spots in your home with lush nutritious greenery! Think of the decorative effect planters full of spices and herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables would have in your abode!

Choose the Right Plants

Just because you’re fond of certain plants doesn’t mean they’re perfect candidates for your garden. Like us, they need the right conditions to grow and thrive, so pick those that can survive where you live.

Since companion gardening is a solution for small urban gardens, this includes knowing which plants are great combined in a modern planter and which simply can’t be paired. And, if you still opt for some that aren’t ideal, then you’re going to have to put more effort into gardening and provide them with what they need.

Invest in Self-Watering Planters

If you’re not exactly born with green thumbs and you want to develop them, then learn a few things about the plants you intend to grow and see whether they are fit for your home. Being in the know of plant growth and size, suitable growing conditions like required nutrients, soil type, amount of sun exposure and water would help you get the lush garden you were dreaming of.

Out of all these, one of the main things people are struggling with is adequate watering. Most are either overwatering or underwatering – both of which create unhealthy and unhappy plants. But it’s nothing you can’t master.

If this sounds like you, your most valuable long-term investments would be planter boxes with an integrated self-watering system. These innovative planters will take over the watering chores for you, so you can never make the mistake of over or underwatering your plants.

All it takes is topping off the reservoir with water and letting the plants take as much water as they need when they need it. Basically, they help you get a garden that takes care of itself! This is why I picked them for my sustainable garden, and I can say with utmost certainty it’s a decision I haven’t regretted.

Not only are these planters incredibly helpful, but they’re also available in a range of stylish designs. For instance, if you’re into minimalist Scandinavian style, you can get self-watering white planter boxes that will perfectly complement your space. On the other hand, if you’re more into the bohemian or eclectic designs, you can shop the range of colourful and rustic planters with built-in irrigation systems.

Get in the Habit of Composting

You don’t have to be into sustainable living to see the benefits that stem from sustainable habits such as composting. Being mindful of how you dispose of your waste and using this to your advantage for offering your garden nutrients goes a long way, especially if you’re mindful with your gardening and choose to grow only those plants your family has on their plates.

Creating your own fertiliser out of food scraps and leaves is perfect for providing the plants with micronutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and boosting soil quality. This, in turn, helps the plants develop strong and healthy roots essential for healthy growth. In addition to being crucial for your garden, it’s also important to point out how cost-efficient it turns out to be.

There’s no additional expense from acquiring your fertiliser when you create your own with what you have at home. And the best of all, you don’t require too much space to make it. A small airtight container would do to work out this plant magic, and you can keep it close by in the cabinet under the sink in the kitchen. There’s potential for a lesson on sustainability here if you’re composting with your kids!