Gardening: How To

An Urban Veggie Garden

Manhattan Rooftop Garden Project

"I decided I would start a roof garden to regain that connection with nature. In the midst of finals, I searched around Manhattan for plants, seeds, potting soil, and containers. A friendly gardener on an internet forum offered me his extra tomato seedlings. I gave him fresh baked cookies in return.

My first season growing was a struggle and learning experience. I was far too ambitious with the number of plants I was trying to grow, and my containers were far too small and insufficiently watered. Since then, my methods and the garden have changed a great deal. Additionally, I have increased my focus on growing fruits and vegetables, as the satisfaction I experienced from the success of growing and eating those first tomatoes made me think about all of the produce I eat. I don't yet grow all of my food, but even the amount that I do is very satisfying. I get the benefits of being connected to nature, discovering new vegetables I had not thought to eat before, seeing how vegetables grow over time and learning their seasons, eating locally to reduce my environmental footprint, and eating the fruits of my own labor."

Grow an Urban Veggie Garden

Check for Heavy Metals
Test your soil for lead and possibly other heavy metals. Many urban households have soil that has been contaminated by old lead paint chips or the exhaust from passing cars. If your soil tests high for contaminants, it is highly advisable to grow in containers with fresh soil mix. You can still grow an enormous variety of vegetables and plants in containers!

Laura Yip

Start Small
When you're starting your first garden, don't be too ambitious. Many beginners try too much without the time and experience to properly care for their plants. The result is dead plants and discouraged people. If it's your first year gardening, try 2-3 tomato plants acquired from a friend with spares, or even bought from the local big box store. It's more important that you get growing and have some success first, than that you grow everything from 100 organic seed. This way, you'll have experience in the actual timing and process of growing that will help you start in your 2nd year.

Laura Yip

But Also, Start Big!
Even if you're only starting with a few plants, don't skimp on the size of their containers. Even for small plants, like strawberries, big containers are much more preferable to small ones. While strawberries can grow in small containers and do not have roots requiring a large one, the main difficulty with small containers is keeping the soil hydrated. With small containers, you may find that even one hot day may toast your plants past revival. Tiered planters that allow you to plant larger plants in areas of higher soil depth and smaller plants in shallower areas, may help to alleviate this problem and increase your use of space.

Laura Yip

Mulch as Much as Possible
In many urban environments, and particularly when using containers, high heat and wind conditions can dehydrate your soil and plants very quickly. Mulch with an organic material like coconut coir fiber in pots and piecemeal mulches for larger areas. This will keep the surface of your soil protected from direct evaporation, significantly improving moisture retention.

Laura Yip

Experiment!
Try different types of plants. A plant that thrives in one location may wither and die in another. It takes time and the acceptance of some failure to learn what will work at your home.

Laura Yip

Tried and True
Some of the safest bets are cherry tomatoes in sunny locations and loose-leaf lettuce and other small greens in shadier locations. Plant different varieties so that if 1 plant fails, there is the chance that the other will thrive! Over time, your knowledge of what works for you will increase and you will have a much greater success rate.

Laura Yip