Today we have a special guest post from Sarah from Pretty Simple Ideas for all of you urban dwellers. Many thanks for liking her Facebook page!
Not everyone has the luxury of living where they are able to plant a garden. I live in a 12-story apartment building a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol building and don’t have one blade of grass to call my own. But that doesn’t mean my green thumb has to whither up and die. City living still provides plenty of opportunities to get your hands in the dirt, and watch something grow.
Not everyone has the luxury of living where they are able to plant a garden. I live in a 12-story apartment building a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol building and don’t have one blade of grass to call my own. But that doesn’t mean my green thumb has to whither up and die. City living still provides plenty of opportunities to get your hands in the dirt, and watch something grow.
Community Gardens
Every city offers some sort of community garden. In D.C. there are a ton of community gardens, although I read there can be an extensive waiting list after applying for a plot. Unless you live in D.C. too or perhaps New York City, you’ll likely have an easier time acquiring a piece of land. Check out Grassroots of Buffalo or Urban Roots if interested in getting started. Regardless of which city you live in, a quick Google search should help you find one near you.
Indoor Gardens
Now that we are approaching winter, community gardens are not really an option, at least in the Northeast. This is where we turn indoors and expand out options there. A few weeks ago Laura wrote a great post about houseplants and their benefits. The right indoor plants can boost your health and mind.
Growing your own herbs is another great way to garden when living in a city – and then use the fruit of your labor for delicious dishes and save money, too. Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and mint are some of my favorite to grow and use – especially in the fall and winter!
Growing your own herbs is another great way to garden when living in a city – and then use the fruit of your labor for delicious dishes and save money, too. Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and mint are some of my favorite to grow and use – especially in the fall and winter!
Exotic or Unusual Plants
I currently have an odd collection of plants growing in my apartment, including a double kalanchoe, orchid and coffee tree plant. Coffee plants are surprisingly easy to grow and I look forward to continuing to baby my plant until I have a bean! Orchids are tricky, but with the right care really pay off in beauty. If you have the space you could also be adventurous and try growing a fruit tree. In her backroom, my mom has been growing a lemon, orange and fig tree.
If you live in a city I hope this gives you hope that you don’t have to give up gardening just because you don’t have any land. And if you don’t live in a city, these are great additions to your home, too!
What plants do you grow indoors? Has anyone ever worked in a community garden?
If you live in a city I hope this gives you hope that you don’t have to give up gardening just because you don’t have any land. And if you don’t live in a city, these are great additions to your home, too!
What plants do you grow indoors? Has anyone ever worked in a community garden?
Sarah works in politics in D.C. but in her spare time dreams about being Martha Stewart and discipling women in their faith. You can find her at her blog, www.prettysimpleideas.com
This post is lined with running with spoons.
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