Urban gardening practice is now called urban agriculture, because urbanization is progressing rapidly, and more people are moving to cities. But what does urban gardening mean and why is it rapidly emerging? Urban gardening can therefore be described as the cultivation of plants in those regions that are characterized by high-density human and/or building’ populations. From the roofs and patios to the neighbors’ squares, people are searching for a way to have a green area in a city.
In this article, I am going to discuss how the process of urban gardening in cities revitalizing and converting some areas into green cities within cities has benefits in the countenance of human health in addition to the face of nature.
Why Urban Gardening Matters
It is not just a passing fad or something that people do for fun; it is a phenomenon that has taken root in the continent’s urban society. Today over 50 percent of the global populace which is approximately 3. 5 billion people live in cities, thus the need for urban green areas. Urban gardening goes a long way in ensuring that they get these solutions in a way that sustains the environment and at the same time they are easily accessible by the inhabitants of the cities.
Environmental Benefits:
- Air Quality Improvement:
Plants automatically perform the process of air purification eliminating toxins and purging oxygen. This is important in most cities where the rate of pollution is high.
- Urban Heat Island Effect Reduction:
Many green spaces play a not less significant role in diminishing the intensity of sunlight and therefore, the temperature in urbanized regions is also lesser, eliminating the so-called ‘heat island’ effect.
- Biodiversity Support:
A study of such areas as urban gardens shows that insects such as bees and butterflies are attracted hence enhancing the health of the ecosystem.
Social and Health Benefits:
- Community Building:
People are usually assembled in urban gardens. Coming from a neighborhood plot or a rooftop garden, such places as these are therapeutic in that they instill a sense of community and belonging.
- Mental Health Improvement:
As is widely stated and known gardening is beneficial and it really is. Taking care of plants has been found to lower the stress rate as well as anxiety and depression levels.
- Access to Fresh Produce:
If a back garden has been an option it has been one of the solutions for fresh organic vegetables right on the doorstep. This is especially so in the so-called ‘food deserts’ where there are few opportunities to get produce.
Getting Started with Urban Gardening
If you are interested in getting some urban gardening done but have no idea how to go about it, worry not. There are countless variations of urban gardening, and you can adapt it to any size and requirement, big or small, or no, experience needed.
Assess Your Space
The first thing that needs to be done to create the urban garden is the evaluation of the available area. Do you own a balcony, a roof, or perhaps a simple window sill with some possibility of sun exposure? Some plants need more space and/or more light than others, so you must select the right spot for your garden.
- Balcony: Suits best in container growth. Vegetables can be grown in pokers, small vegetables and herbs for instance.
- Rooftop: Ideal for fashioning a larger garden in comparison to this simple raised garden. True, vertical productions or better yet, rooftop gardens and gardens on elevated platforms like raised beds can always be established.
- Windowsill: Ideal for small herbs or succulents. Make sure the area receives as much sunlight as possible.
Choose the Right Plants
The choice of the right plants for the urban garden is significant. Depending on the climate you live in, the amount of sunlight your house gets and your preference will dictate this direction.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, and rosemary can be started off on a first-timer’s gardening project. They are not very demanding and can be grown in confined and sometimes limited areas.
- Vegetables: Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers as well as lettuce can be cultured in containers. For space considerations choose the compact or dwarf models.
- Flowers: Grow marigolds, petunias and zinnias to provide beauty and also to entice pollinators to come. They’re also relatively low-maintenance.
Use Sustainable Practices
If properly developed, urban gardening can provide a niche for the practice of sustainable development. When seeking to improve the health of your garden one can use measures that are environmentally friendly in their plans.
- Composting: Learn how to eliminate your kitchen waste in a way that benefits your garden, through making compost. It is probably one of the most efficient methods of composting and improving the quality of the ground.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Sail, and collect rain water for use in watering your plants. This helps in the conservation of water and therefore leads to less usage of water hence fewer bills to pay.
- Organic Pest Control: Do not use inorganic chemicals for pest control instead, for example, use neem oil or invite other friendly insects to the farm such as ladybugs.
Overcoming Urban Gardening Challenges
As if these gardening problems were not enough, there are some that are peculiar to urban gardening and they are- However, with a little ingenuity, these problems can be solved with a lot of ease.
- Limited Space: Yet, vertical gardening is one of the best options if you have little space. Try to put trellises or baskets or a plant hanger where they can grow more plants in a compact space.
- Soil Quality: The soil of urban areas may be contaminated or have a poor nutrient status. It is advisable to plant in raised beds with fresh and organic material or go for container gardening.
- Climate Control: The weather in an urban environment may be quite volatile at times. If the weather is too hot, cover the plants with the shade cloths, if the conditions are too cold, use the frost cloths.
Conclusion
Urban gardening is a lifestyle and not just a pastime – it is gardening in the built environment or urban architecture. It is equally important to note that as cities expand, the provided green areas are becoming vital more and more. Gardens in and around town not only make the environment aesthetically appealing, but they are beneficial to our health.
