Before and After of Turning an Urban Backyard into a Homestead Garden

Get a property tour of converting a backyard into edible landscaping.

Creating a backyard urban garden can transform any small space into a thriving green oasis within the city. Urban gardens not only provide fresh, organic produce but also improve air quality, create a refuge for local wildlife, and make for an enjoyable outdoor hobby. This article will guide you through the process of establishing your own urban garden in your backyard, regardless of its size.

The first step in developing a successful urban garden is finding the optimal location for your plants. Factors to consider include sun exposure, available space, and proximity to your living area. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although some plants will grow in partial sun.

With the help of simple DIY ideas and space-saving techniques, such as vertical gardening and lightweight planters, even the most compact backyard can be transformed into a flourishing urban garden. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the various steps to create an urban garden – from choosing the right plants and materials to caring for your new green space.

Selecting the Right Location

Sunlight Requirements

Finding the ideal location for your backyard urban garden is crucial for its success. One of the most important factors to consider is sunlight. Plants require varying amounts of sunlight to grow properly. When assessing your backyard, observe the sun exposure in different areas throughout the day. Full sun areas receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, while partial sun areas have a mixture of sunlight and shade.

Full sun: At least six hours of direct sunlight per day
Partial sun: A mix of direct sunlight and shade

Keep in mind that the sunlight requirements of your plants should match the available sunlight in the designated garden location.

Urban Restrictions and Ordinances

In an urban setting, it’s essential to be aware of any restrictions or ordinances that may impact your garden. Some cities may have rules regarding the types of plants you can grow or any required setbacks from property lines. Before you begin planning your garden, check with your local city hall or zoning department to ensure you’re in compliance with these regulations.

As you plan your backyard urban garden, consider the following:

Research local ordinances and restrictions related to planting and maintaining your garden.

Be aware of any setbacks from property lines or restrictions on specific plant types.
Consider any other city-related issues such as access to water or potential pests.

Creating a successful backyard urban garden requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as sunlight exposure and local restrictions. By taking the time to assess these elements, you can optimize the location and design of your garden to ensure its success.

Developing a Garden Plan

Garden Types

There are various types of gardens to consider when creating your backyard urban garden plan. In order to achieve the best outcome, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want. Below are some common garden types you can choose from:

Vegetable Garden: Used for growing edible plants such as tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots.
Herb Garden: Focuses on growing aromatic and flavorful herbs like basil, cilantro, and thyme.

Flower Garden: Emphasizes colorful and visually arresting blossoms, either for aesthetics or for cut flowers.
Mixed Garden: A combination of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, catering to both edible and ornamental needs.

Choosing Appropriate Plants

Once you’ve decided on the type of garden, it’s essential to choose the right plants that will thrive in the allotted space. To do this, consider the following factors:

Sunlight: Match each plant’s sun requirements (full sun, partial sun, or shade) to the lighting conditions of your chosen garden spot.
Soil: Find plants that are well-suited to the soil in your backyard (loam, clay, or sandy soil types).
Plant Hardiness Zone: Select plants that are appropriate for your region’s climate, which can be identified through Plant Hardiness Zone maps.

Annuals and Perennials: Determine whether you want to grow annual plants (requiring replanting each year) or perennial plants (longer-lasting, potentially blooming multiple times or year-after-year).

To ease the selection process, below is a simple table with popular examples in each category:

Plant	Sunlight	Soil Type	Hardiness Zone	Type
Tomato	Full sun	Loamy	2 to 10	Vegetable
Lettuce	Partial	Loamy	4 to 9	Vegetable
Rosemary	Full sun	Well-drained	6 to 10	Herb
Lavender	Full sun	Well-drained	5 to 9	Herb
Sunflower	Full sun	Loamy	4 to 9	Flower
Hosta	Shade	Loamy	3 to 9	Flower

Once the garden plan is established, and you’ve selected the right type of garden and plants, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, bountiful, and sustainable backyard urban garden.

Soil Preparation and Testing

Soil Types

There are three primary soil types: sand, silt, and clay. Each type has its own characteristics that influence its suitability for gardening. These include:

Sand: Drains water quickly, making it suitable for plants that thrive in well-drained conditions. However, it may require more frequent waterings and has low nutrient retention.

Silt: Has a moderate ability to retain water and nutrients. It is considered an ideal medium for gardening since it provides a balance between air, water, and nutrients.
Clay: Retains moisture and nutrients but drains poorly, which can cause waterlogging and stunt plant growth. Heavy clay soil can also be difficult for gardeners to work with.

To determine your garden’s soil type, pick up a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it stays together and forms a ball, it is heavy in clay; if it crumbles, it is sandy; and if it has a balance between the two, it is likely silt.

Improving Soil Quality

Garden soil quality is influenced by factors such as its pH, nutrient content, and structure. Here are some steps to improve your soil’s quality:

Soil pH: A soil test can reveal your soil’s pH, which indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Most garden plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. To adjust the soil’s pH, add lime (calcium carbonate) to raise it, or powdered sulfur or aluminum sulfate to lower it.
Organic Matter: Adding organic matter, such as compost, to your soil improves its nutrient content, water retention, and aeration. Work the compost into the soil using a rototiller or garden pitchfork, then rake the ground level to prepare it for planting.

Soil Testing: Take soil samples from various areas of your garden, about 6-8 inches deep, where plant roots will grow. Remove any roots, grass, and mulch for accurate results. Combine samples from different areas into one sample for testing. A soil test will provide information about pH, nutrient content, and any deficiencies that may need correction.

Remember, creating the ideal garden soil takes time and effort, but investing in soil preparation and testing will significantly improve your plants’ health and yield.

Incorporating Raised Beds and Containers

Raised Bed Construction

Raised beds are an excellent option for urban gardeners, allowing the cultivation of various plants in limited spaces. They are especially useful for gardens with poor soil quality or drainage, as you can fill them with a customized mixture of soil and compost to create the perfect growing environment. To construct a raised bed, consider using wood, stone, or other materials as sides to hold the soil in.

Here are some basic steps to create a raised bed:

Select the location and size of your raised bed, making sure it receives adequate sunlight.
Choose a durable, non-toxic material for the sides, such as untreated wood, stone, or recycled bricks.

Build the frame by connecting the sides securely, creating a rectangular box.
Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom of the bed or filling the base with a layer of gravel.
Fill the raised bed with a mixture of soil and compost, leaving enough space between the soil surface and the top edge for watering and plant growth.

Choosing Containers

When space is limited, container gardening is a practical and versatile option for growing a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Containers can be placed on balconies, patios, or paved areas, maximizing the available growing space.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing containers for your urban garden:

Material: Use materials such as terra cotta, plastic, wood, or metal, ensuring that they are non-toxic and suitable for gardening.

Size: Choose container sizes that match the needs of the plants, allowing for adequate root growth and soil capacity.
Drainage: Make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot and maintain healthy conditions for plant growth.
Design: Select containers that visually complement your garden’s overall aesthetics, or use them as decorative elements to add color and style.

Incorporating raised beds and containers into your urban garden design provides flexibility and functionality for small spaces. By understanding the basics of raised bed construction and choosing suitable containers, you can create a thriving garden that is both productive and visually appealing.

Vertical and Creative Urban Gardening

Vertical Gardening Options

Vertical gardening is an innovative and efficient way to make the most of your limited urban space. By growing vertically, you can maximize your garden’s potential and even save water. Fruits and vegetables such as grapes, berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers grow vertically, making them ideal for urban gardens with limited floor space. Ensure climbing plants have access to trellises, poles, or lattices to support their vines and provide natural growth.

Integrating Wall-Mounted Planters

Wall-mounted planters are an excellent solution for adding greenery to your urban garden without taking up precious floor space. They are available in various styles, materials, and sizes, providing endless opportunities to create an attractive and functional vertical garden. To integrate wall-mounted planters, consider the following:

Choose materials that suit your environment and aesthetics, such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Opt for self-watering planters to minimize maintenance and ensure your plants receive adequate hydration.
Select plants with shallow root systems, suitable for planter boxes.

Establishing Rooftop and Balcony Gardens

Rooftop and balcony gardens offer more space for urban gardeners and an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. To establish a thriving rooftop or balcony garden, consider the following tips:

Assess weight limitations on your rooftop or balcony to ensure your garden’s safety and structural integrity.
Utilize lightweight materials, such as wooden planters and aeroponic systems like Tower Gardens, which use 90% less water.

Consider installing mirrors strategically to make the area appear more spacious, particularly on balconies.

By incorporating vertical gardening techniques, wall-mounted planters, and rooftop or balcony gardens, you can transform your urban space into a lush, green oasis.

Planting and Cultivating

Starting Seeds and Transplants

When starting a backyard urban garden, planting seeds and transplants play a vital role in the success of your garden. Follow these steps to start your plants:

Choose suitable plants for your urban garden. Some good options include salad greens, peppers, beans, root vegetables, green onions, peas, tomatoes, herbs, and summer squash.
Refer to the seed packet for proper planting depth and spacing.
Sow seeds in containers or directly in the garden bed, depending on the plant’s requirements.

For transplants, gently remove them from their pots, ensuring not to damage the roots. Place them in pre-dug holes in your garden bed and cover with soil.
Water your seeds and transplants thoroughly and consistently during their early stages.

Caring for Your Growing Garden

To ensure a successful backyard urban garden, follow these tips for maintaining a healthy and productive environment for your plants:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering in the early morning or evening will reduce evaporation.
Fertilizing: Add organic matter or slow-release fertilizers to your garden bed to provide necessary nutrients for plant growth.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients.

Pest control: Inspect your plants for pests and use organic or chemical controls when necessary.
Support: Some plants, like tomatoes and peas, require support structures like stakes or trellises to grow properly.
Pruning: Remove damaged or diseased plant parts to keep your plants healthy and encourage them to focus on fruit and flower production.

Harvesting: Harvest your fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness to enjoy maximum flavor and nutrition from your backyard urban garden.

By following these planting and cultivating tips, your backyard urban garden will be well on its way to providing fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season.

Recommended Plants for Your Urban Garden

Vegetables and Salad Greens

When it comes to vegetables and salad greens for your urban garden, some popular choices are:

Beans: These can be grown either as bush beans, which require minimal support, or pole beans that need a structure to climb on.
Peppers: Both sweet and hot varieties thrive in urban gardens, providing a colorful and tasty addition to your harvest.
Tomatoes: Growing tomatoes in containers or raised beds makes it easier to control the soil and prevent diseases. Choose determinate varieties for smaller spaces.

Cucumbers: Opt for bush cucumber varieties that require less space and are suitable for containers.
Lettuce: Grow a variety of leaf lettuce types for an abundant salad harvest throughout the season.

Herbs

Herbs are easy to grow and add a lot of flavor to your meals. Some great options for your urban garden include:

Basil: With many varieties to choose from, basil is a must-have in any urban garden.
Mint: Plant mint in a container to prevent it from taking over your garden. Use it in teas, cocktails, or garnishes.
Chives: Easy to grow, chive plants provide a mild onion flavor and attractive flowers for pollinators.

Parsley: Flat-leaf or curly parsley can be used in a variety of dishes and makes a great companion plant for your vegetables.

Flowers

Some vibrant and easy-to-grow flowers are perfect additions to your urban garden:

Zinnias: These bright, low-maintenance flowers come in various colors and attract butterflies.

Cosmos: With a feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms, cosmos add a delicate touch to any garden.
Impatiens: Ideal for shaded areas of your garden, impatiens provide a continuous display of color throughout the season.
Marigolds: Their strong scent can repel pests, and the bright blooms will brighten up your urban garden.

Black-Eyed Susans: These low-maintenance, drought-tolerant flowers attract pollinators and provide an excellent pop of color to your garden.

Climbing Plants

Incorporate climbing plants in your urban garden to save space and add visual interest:

Climbing beans: Choose pole bean varieties that can climb trellises, fences, or other supports for vertical growth.

Climbing peas: Snow peas or sugar snap peas are suitable for urban gardens, providing both beauty and edible harvests.
Morning glories: This annual vine with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers creates a stunning display and requires minimal care.
Clematis: With a wide range of colors and flower shapes, clematis is a popular choice for urban gardens, climbing on fences or trellises.

Maximizing Productivity and Involvement

Incorporating Trellises and Hanging Plants

To create a productive urban garden, consider incorporating trellises and hanging plants. Trellises provide vertical growing space, allowing you to maximize productivity in a limited area. They are ideal for vining plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans. To ensure proper growth and support, securely fasten the trellis to a fence or wall.

Hanging plants are another excellent way to optimize space in your backyard garden. They are perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers. Some popular hanging plants include cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and trailing flowers like petunias. To get started, you can use premade hanging baskets or repurpose household items like old buckets or plastic containers.

Attracting Birds and Pollinators

Attracting birds and pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, is essential to ensuring a bountiful harvest in your urban garden. These creatures play a vital role in fertilizing plants and increasing productivity.

Here are some ways to attract birds and pollinators to your garden:

Planting flowers: Introduce a variety of flowering plants to provide ample nectar and pollen sources. Include plants that bloom throughout the season, ensuring a steady supply of food for pollinators.
Bird feeders: Installing bird feeders can help to attract a wide range of birds to your backyard, who will in turn, feed on insects and pests that may accumulate in your garden plants, providing natural pest control.

Water sources: Incorporate small, shallow water sources such as birdbaths or small dishes to attract both birds and pollinators. Change the water frequently to keep it clean and welcoming.
Native plants: Opt for native plants that are familiar to local pollinators, increasing the likelihood of attracting them to your garden.

By incorporating trellises and hanging plants, as well as attracting birds and pollinators, you can create a thriving and productive urban garden that utilizes limited space effectively.

Tips for Beginners and the Urban Gardening Community

Starting a Community Garden

Starting a community garden is a great way to bring people together while contributing to a greener urban environment. Here are a few steps to get started:

Find a suitable location: Look for an open space with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Access to water and proximity to community members are also essential factors.
Check local regulations: Contact local authorities to ensure you are allowed to create a community garden and obtain necessary permits.

Gather support: Reach out to neighbors, friends, and local organizations for support, both in terms of funding and volunteer work. Establish a team of committed individuals to help with planning, management, and maintenance.
Design the garden: Plan the layout of the garden, considering access to sunlight, water sources, and space for different plants. Raised beds and containers can be useful for accommodating various plant types and improving soil quality.
Organize resources: Secure necessary resources, like soil, compost, seeds, and gardening tools. Reach out to local businesses for donations or discounts.

Set up garden rules: Establish clear rules for participants, such as plot assignment, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution.

Advice for Successful Urban Gardening

Here are some tips to ensure success in your urban gardening endeavors:

Choose the right plants: When selecting plants for your urban garden, consider their light and space requirements. Some plants like peas, lettuce, and chard are well-suited for small spaces and containers. Research the specific needs of each plant before planting.

Maximize sunlight: Utilize vertical space to maximize sunlight exposure, using trellises for climbing plants and tiered planters for smaller vegetation.
Improve soil quality: Urban soil can be contaminated or lack necessary nutrients. Use organic matter, like compost or aged manure, to improve soil quality.
Use containers: Container gardening is versatile and space-efficient. Choose containers with proper drainage and fill them with soil mixtures specifically designed for container gardening, which can be more nutrient-rich and well-draining.

Practice good garden hygiene: Keep your gardening site clean, remove dead leaves and weeds, and manage pests or diseases promptly.
Join a gardening community: Connect with other urban gardeners to exchange knowledge, tips, and resources. This can lead to a larger network of support, enhancing the overall experience.

By following these tips, beginners and experienced gardeners alike can cultivate thriving backyard urban gardens and contribute to sustainable urban agriculture.