Urban Vegetable Gardening

The concept of vegetable gardening is usually relegated to the realm of the larger property owner. Many feel that growing vegetables in a small area is too restrictive. There is evidence to the contrary. Canadian Gardening (Annual 2009, Special Issue), describes a city garden which has a variety of vegetables using the square foot gardening method. The desire for fresh and healthy food close to home has inspired many to try planting a small plot.

Many urban properties have a limited amount of space available. This should not deter those who wish to grow some of their own produce. Evaluating the growing area is the first task at hand. How large is your space? How much sunshine does it receive? What type of plants would be suitable or desired? How can the space be organized to accommodate the plants?

It is surprising how many vegetables can be grown in a small space. Vegetables require sufficient nutrients, moisture and sunlight to grow successfully. A minimum of six hours of sunlight is needed.

Preparation of the Garden

Following the initial planning the garden space must be prepared. Determine where you want to plant your vegetables. A raised bed is ideal for smaller areas. The soil must be cultivated and compost or manure should be added to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for the plants. The seed of many vegetables can be planted directly into the soil. More tender plants such as tomatoes or peppers must be started indoors eight weeks prior to planting outdoors or purchase the plants from a garden centre.

Organization of Garden Space

Organizing the space will ensure that plants will grow successfully. The concept of square foot gardening, as mentioned above, is especially useful in areas with limited space. Mel Bartholomew has written a book called Square Foot Gardening. The basic principle is to divide your space into 12-inch squares and fit the plants into these squares. Larger plants such as peppers will take one square on their own. Lettuce and parsley require 6-inch spacing which allows 4 plants per square. Smaller plants such as carrots and onions will flourish with 3 inches between them. Consider the spacing requirements for the vegetables you have chosen to grow. Many different varieties can be grown in a small area using this technique.

Using trellises for plants such as cucumbers, pole beans, and peas in the garden will allow the gardener to use plants that would normally take up too much space for the small garden.

Containers can be utilized very successfully in small spaces. They can be placed on decks or patios to extend the amount of space available. Vegetables can be grown in pots as long as their specific growing requirements are met. Obtaining the correct information is essential before choosing vegetables for containers.

Plant Selection

Prior to planting, the growing requirements for each vegetable must be considered. Some vegetables are cool-season crops such as leaf lettuce, peas, parsley, cabbage, onions and radishes.

Others require warmer temperatures when all danger of frost has passed. Some examples are tomato, pepper, cucumber, green beans, squash, zucchini and corn.

Annuals such as marigolds add colour and also deter pests.

Herbs are easily grown and require limited space.

Creating your own garden can be a challenge at first. Through knowledge and effort, fresh beans, radishes, tomatoes and others of your choosing will be only steps away!

References

Bartholomew, Mel, Square Foot Gardening, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 1981.

Flanigan, Lorraine, “The urban farmer”, Canadian Gardening, Annual 2009.