What actually is Urban Gardening? Sowing, tending, harvesting - Sustainable gardening is becoming increasingly popular. Fortunately, the hobby is no longer just reserved for allotment gardeners and homeowners. As an environmentally friendly and space-saving leisure activity, it also has many followers in city centers in the form of urban gardening.
In the following article, I'll explain what urban gardening is all about, how it works and what you should bear in mind when getting started. Let's go!
Here in advance a short Table of contents about the article:
Gardening in the city - close to nature
Urban gardening (or urban horticulture) refers to the Horticultural development and use of mostly small-scale, inner-city areas.
Natural soils are asphalted and green spaces are replaced by concrete deserts. Trees, shrubs and flowers hardly have any room to flourish. Urban gardening emerged as a logical consequence of the increasing development of cities. In metropolitan areas in particular, nature-loving city dwellers were looking for a way to turn the cold gray into fresh greenery. This was the birth of urban gardening, in which passionate hobby gardeners plant flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables on communal terraces or their own balconies in the city.
Five advantages - What's so appealing about urban gardening?
There are very different aspects that urban hobby gardeners appreciate about urban gardening. In addition to the sustainability component, financial and social aspects also play a role. These are the most important advantages at a glance:
1. experience nature
The sight of fresh carrots, ripe strawberries and blooming hydrangeas on the balcony at home gives the senses a time out from the hectic life in the city. They enchant with their bright colors and pamper your nose with fresh air. In this way, urban gardening transforms a bare balcony into a relaxing oasis. So you can in principle Spending time outdoors in naturewithout having to drive far out of the city.
2. eat healthily
It's not just flowers that are suitable for gardening in the city. Vegetables - such as tomatoes, carrots and radishes - as well as berries can be planted easily and harvested repeatedly. Food from your own cultivation are regional, seasonal and 100 percent pesticide-free. They also have a more aromatic taste.
Tip: How you Growing tomatoes yourself you can find out in the linked article!
3. live environmentally friendly
The conventional, widespread cultivation of vegetables, berries and fruit takes place in many countries under Use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. In combination with the long transport routes and a mostly extremely high Water consumption this is a burden on the environment. By growing them on your balcony, you are setting an example for a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature.
4. save money
For families in particular, the cost savings are a major advantage of urban gardening. Trips to parks and recreational areas are expensive and time-consuming. By planting plants on your balcony or terrace, you create Your own piece of nature in your home. Expensive trips to the countryside are no longer necessary. In addition, certain vegetable and berry bushes bear fruit repeatedly, saving you money on food shopping. In this way Sustainability Save money.
5. meet like-minded people
Sharing experiences, solving problems and staying motivated - it's also the social component that makes gardening in the city so magical. On the internet and in community gardens, you can find people who share your passion. For many, this is a key advantage of urban gardening.
Urban gardening with children - a hobby for the whole family
Urban gardening is even more fun when you do it together with your loved ones. Planting, harvesting and eating delicious fruit and vegetables is an exciting activity, especially for children. Gardening together with your little ones offers you the perfect opportunity to teach them about environmental protection, healthy eating and nature in a fun way. (more also under Environmental protection with children)
Involve your offspring in all the steps - such as designing the beds and selecting the seeds - to generate enthusiasm. This increases the anticipation and euphoria of the little hobby gardeners. Start by growing common varieties such as cress and chives. Thanks to their rapid growth, they give your children their first sense of achievement after just a few days.
Keep the little ones' motivation for urban gardening constantly high by setting a good example. The fun factor should not be neglected. Use interesting Do-It-Yourself Projects - such as making seed bombs or growing pots - as a regular break. Urban gardening shows your children how they can learn from mistakes and overcome challenges.
Urban gardening - get started with these five tips
Have you got a taste for urban gardening? Then I'd like to give you a few important tips to help you get started as easily as possible.
1. consider the available space
As a first step you should Examine the conditions of your balcony or terrace. This is essential for the selection, planting and arrangement of the beds. The geographical location also plays a role here. While strawberries and peppers like the sun, mint and parsley prefer a semi-shady spot.
Tip: Do you want to make your balcony or patio more insect and bird-friendly? Then have a look at my articles about the Bird friendly garden and bee friendly garden in!
2. choose the right varieties
Once the beds are set up, you can start selecting the seeds. Base this decision on your personal preferences, your time and your expertise. Easy-care, hardy varieties such as carrots and basil are a good choice for beginners. As your experience level increases, you can gradually expand your assortment.
3. consult a planting calendar
Gardening includes the following phases Sowing, tending, harvesting and Winterizing. The right time varies from plant to plant. There are also varying requirements in terms of soil moisture, bed neighbors and the distance between the seeds. With a Planting calendar you can keep track of your vegetables, fruit and herbs and keep them healthy throughout the year.
4. exchange ideas with like-minded people
Urban horticulture thrives on exchange with others. In Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, there will be on communal roof terraces operated. The number of these collective gardens is constantly increasing. There you can get to know other hobby gardeners, get advice and gather inspiration. If there is not (yet) a community garden in your city, there are Internet forums and the social networks as an alternative an.
5. stay motivated
Mistakes and failures are normal in the beginning. Nature is not perfect and you don't have to be either. Don't be discouraged by small setbacks, but learn from them. What went wrong and how can you do better next time? Stay inquisitive, relaxed and positive - then success will come all by itself.
Can you think of any other tips? Then always give it to me in the comments!
Urban Gardening - A look into the future
Gardening in the city is an environmentally friendly, uncomplicated and inexpensive hobby for young and old. It Conjures a touch of nature in the cold, stone metropolises and is an important step on the way to a green city.
With the help of these tips, you are guaranteed to succeed in the world of urban gardening! Simply put aside your demands for perfection and treat your sustainable leisure activity as a continuous learning process. You will have plenty of time to experiment, because one thing is certain: urban gardening is not a passing trend, but a a future-oriented development.
Do you have any questions or suggestions about this article on gardening in the city? Then I look forward to your comment!
Stay sustainable,
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