Easy to Grow Plants in an Urban Garden

Urban dwellers in cities worldwide are joining the urban gardening movement. From high rise apartment rooftops to backyard home gardens, the interest in all types of gardening is growing. According to Job S. Ebenezer, President of Technology for the Poor, some reasons for the increasing U.S. interest in vegetable gardening can be attributed to living with the threat of terrorists poisoning the food supply and the fact that little or no testing is done for dangerous chemicals on the majority of fruits and vegetables imported into the country.

Other urban dwellers use gardening as artistic expression and as beauty spots for entertaining and relaxing, while others plant rooftop and balcony gardens to draw the eyes away from tall drab walls and ugly billboards.

Urban Vegetable Garden Plants

Any type of vegetable plant will flourish in any type of urban garden provided the soil is fertile, the plant gets enough water, sees enough sun, and the soil has adequate drainage. Since most urban garden space is relatively small, many home and apartment gardeners grow vegetables, plants, and trees in containers.

Tomatoes, okra, corn, green beans, and potatoes do particularly well in urban gardens. Climbing vegetables like peas, cucumbers, beans, and others planted in a container on a balcony require little space and can provide a lush, decorative look. Hanging tomatoes and strawberries are not only edible, but also serve as ornamental plants. Herbs like parsley, basil, sage, thyme, rosemary, chervil, and chives add greenery and grow equally well in containers, in-ground, or on window sills.

In some urban areas, the only available gardening space is in shaded areas. While most plants require at least six hours of daily sun, spinach, carrots, broccoli, turnips, mint, beets, garlic, potatoes, most herbs, collards, lettuce, peas, and beans are just as happy in partial shade.

Urban Flower Gardens

For those who prefer the beauty of flower gardens and like showing off their artistic talent, moss roses (Portulaca Grandiflora) are intensely mixed colors and singled colored trailing flowers that can tolerate heat, need little watering, and look good in hanging baskets and in other small or large growing areas. Begonias, roses, tulips, lantana, daffodils, and zinnias flourish planted in large containers or small plots. Lantana changes color as the season passes. If the area is exceptionally small, planting single-colored container roses or one kind of another flower will add interest to the area.

Trees, Shrubs, and Vine Plants

Several different types of ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, and vines grow well in containers or backyard garden plots. Japanese Maples, bougainvilleas; blueberry bushes that can serve as privacy hedges, all thrive in small spaces and containers. In cold climates, Meyer lemons, limes, and other container citrus fruits must be moved indoors during the winter. For a luxuriant look, let English Ivy crawl over a fence or climb up a patio wall.

Some U.S. regions are blessed with two or more growing seasons. Consult area planting guides for tips and times of year best for planting and seeding certain flowers, vegetables, and other vegetation.