Urban gardening is a thriving trend, offering a fantastic way for city dwellers to grow their own fresh produce and ornamental plants. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small apartment balcony, urban gardening can fit your lifestyle and provide you with beauty and food throughout the season. Here’s everything you need to know to get started urban gardening in the South Sound.
Veggie Starts: Beginner’s Best Friend
For those new to gardening, veggie starts are an excellent way to jump-start your garden. We have a huge selection of locally grown veggie starts and fruiting bushes. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and herbs are a great place to start. These young plants give you a head start, making it easier to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Tomatoes: Compact Varieties
Tomatoes are a favorite among those who are urban gardening in the South Sound. Compact container varieties are perfect for small spaces. Varieties like ‘Tiny Tim,’ ‘Patio Princess,’ and ‘Tumbling Tom’ are bred for container gardening. They require support as they grow, so use cages or stakes to keep them upright.
Seek Unique Plants
Finding a fun plant you’ve never grown keeps you engaged in your garden, while you wait eagerly to see the fruit of your labor. Pick up several cucamelon–also known as Mexican sour gherkins– starts or seeds. These tiny, watermelon-lookalikes taste like cucumbers with a hint of lime, adding a unique twist to your garden and your meals. They are a delightful surprise in salads and are delicious pickled. They thrive in warm weather and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.Â
Go Vertical
Vertical gardening is perfect for urban spaces where ground space is limited. Vines like beans and peas and cucamelons, as well as espaliered fruit trees, can be grown vertically to save space. Flowers like black eyed susan, sweet pea, honeysuckle, clematis and star jasmine make quick vertical garden screens when planted in mass. Even indeterminate tomatoes can be grown on long poles or trellises for a privacy screen. Trellises, wall-mounted planters, and stacked garden beds are great solutions to incorporate vertical gardening into your space.
Friend v. Foe: Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing plants together that benefit each other through sharing nutrients or by repelling pests. In pots, this technique can maximize space and enhance growth. For example, basil and tomatoes make excellent companions; basil repels pests that might attack tomatoes, and the two plants thrive under similar conditions.
Windowsill Herb Garden
An herb garden on your windowsill, whether indoors or outdoors, is a convenient way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and chives grow well in small pots and require minimal space. Ensure they get plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Trim them back and use them to keep them growing strong.
Create a Balcony Oasis
Even if you only have a balcony, you can create a lush garden. Choose plants that do well in containers and can thrive in the light conditions your balcony offers. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are excellent choices. Use railing planters, hanging baskets, and tiered plant stands to maximize your growing area. Consider lightweight planters, like hypertufa, for use on balconies.Â
Hanging Gardens
Hanging planters are ideal for adding greenery without taking up floor space. They are perfect for trailing plants like strawberries, herbs, or decorative flowers. There are even hanging blueberry varieties, perfect for patios and balconies. Choose durable hangers and ensure they are securely fastened to avoid accidents.
Ceramic Pots: A Stylish Choice
Ceramic pots are a popular choice for urban gardeners in Tacoma due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. You can use a tray beneath pots to keep water from spilling out onto residents in lower balconies or from causing water damage to decks. They come in various sizes and designs, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Remember, some ceramic pots can be heavy, so choose wisely based on where you plan to place them. A rolling stand beneath your pots makes it easy to mix up your seating area or maximize sunlight on your plants. At Tacoma Boys and H&R Produce our gorgeous pots are always BUY ONE, GET TWO FREE!
Soil, Compost & Mulch – Oh my!
Choosing the right soil is crucial for a successful urban garden. Look for a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but drains well. Compost adds essential nutrients, and you can source it locally or make your own. We carry several types of soil and compost for your needs. Fertilizers, whether organic or synthetic, should be used according to the plant’s needs. Top your plantings with mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, making it a valuable addition to your garden. Retaining moisture is especially important when growing in pots.
Whether gardening on a patio, a balcony, or a sunny front porch, urban gardening in the South Sound is a rewarding way to connect with nature, even in a bustling city. With the right tools, plants, and techniques, you can create a thriving garden oasis in any space. Happy planting!