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Gardeners who take a look at what’s growing in their backyard (or, in the case of city dwellers, on their windowsills and even fire escapes), can clearly see that the idea of gardening has evolved. While the hobby is as popular as ever, the days of blooming perennials, roses, and white picket fences have faded.
What we’re growing is different. Today, 1 in 3 households grow some of their own food, the largest number seen in a decade. And it’s not just a resurgence seen in the older demographics that typically fill up home and garden stores on the weekends. The number of millennial growers and gardeners has exploded; from 2008 to 2013, participation from this age group surged 63 percent, and that number is only increasing in this stay-at-home, coronavirus-impacted world.
“Time is ripe for people to disrupt this industry,” says Cameron MacKugler, CEO and founder of Seedsheet, a plantable sheet embedded with seeds for easy growing. “The leading consumer is still a 55-year-old woman. Not enough companies are switching to address the urban millennial.”
Urban dwellers are increasingly looking for smart solutions, from window boxes to large-scale urban farming options such as Brooklyn Grange. Growing networks of community gardens and online resources (see the wildly successful Urban Gardeners Republic group) suggest gardening media has grown well beyond glossy mags near the supermarket checkout.
Simply put, urban gardening is hot. To help city or apartment dwellers with little to no outdoor space, we’ve compiled the best products and tips for gardening in small spaces.
Containers
Having the right container in your garden can make all the difference. Whether it’s a self-watering box that makes maintenance easier, or a well-priced larger pot, here are four top-notch options.
Self-watering Planter Box
Fill up the corner container of this mini planter box and let the planter do the rest of the work. With a self-watering design and low water indicator, this planter works for indoor or outdoor use.
Almi Balcony Deck Rail Planter Box
This handy weather resistant flower pot fits on rails and comes in a ton of different colors. The UV treated plastic resists sun fading, too.
Ostlig 14-inch Plant Pot
Just because you have a small space or balcony, that doesn’t mean you can’t add one or two larger plants. Unfortunately, many pots are prohibitively expensive, which is why we like these simple polyethylene pots from Ikea.
Mkono 6.5-inch Planters
We can’t all have Martha Stewart’s plant budget, so opt for sleek flower pots that are compact enough they can be used indoors or out. An optional drainage system and removable rubber plug makes the transition simple.
Go vertical
When space is at a premium, don’t underestimate the power of going up. Simple utility carts become an overflowing mini-jungle, and a few hanging pots can work wonders on the ambiance of an outdoor space.
Active Gear Guy Vertical Hanging Outdoor Wall
With 36 pockets, this outdoor wall features breathable material that retains moisture and protects the roots of plants. Use it to grow succulents, flowers, or herbs.
Raskog Utility Cart
When space is cramped, go up. We love this reasonably priced and stylish utility cart from Ikea, available in black, white, or a dark blue.
Hanging Ceramic 4-Pot Set
Add a bit of color and maximize space with this hanging planter set. Four cauldron-shaped planters in mixed colors can work indoors or out.
Mkono Hanging Planter Basket, Black (40”)
Available in four different colors, this boho-chic plant hanger should make any small plant pop, particularly if it is hung by a sunny windowsill. (Plant and pot not included).
Modern Adjustable Plant Stand
These adjustable stands fit any round-sized pot between 8 to 12 inches wide, and the stands are available in bamboo, dark bamboo, dark walnut, and walnut. Pots sold separately, available here.
Seeds and kits
“Grow what you eat the most, and think about return on investment,” says Lisa Giroday, co-founder of Victory Gardens, a Vancouver, Canada-based store focused on urban growing. “About 99 percent of the time, I encourage people to grow leafy greens and herbs. Most people would have a salad everyday if they had the right things growing in their backyard.”
Make vegetables and herbs easy with these helpful kits.
Earth Brown Raised Garden Kit
This kit is easy to assemble and can be moved around on your patio if the sun gets too strong. An automatic watering system keeps things growing, and it works well for tomatoes and herbs.
Seedsheet Mini Herbs Kit
This flat, biodegradable sheet is shippable through the mail, includes fertilizer, seeds, and a fabric container, and aims to make gardening simple and straightforward.
EarthBox Garden Kit
Want to turn that black thumb into a green thumb? Try out this wheeled garden box growing kit. Great for vegetables or flowers, the kit comes with foolproof instructions, the container, and fertilizer; just add planting mix, seedlings, and water.
Watering
Forget the old dollar store watering can, there are better options. From underground vessels that maximize moisture to an affordable, design-forward watering can, here are some of our picks.
Farielyn-X Plant Self Watering Spikes
This pack of 15 spikes lets you adjust the rate of flow so that each irrigation device distributes just the right amount of water to keep your plants alive.
Bittergurka Watering Can
You can water your plants with a flimsy plastic can from the dollar store, or you can upgrade to this (still affordable) white and bamboo version from Ikea. Inspired by a birch tree, it’s a more stylish alternative.
Sustee Plant Moisture Sensor
This Japanese water-measurement tool offers instant feedback on the health of your plants. Designed to measure water and pH levels, the thermometer-shaped device turns blue when your plant is healthy, and news editor Megan Barber uses it to keep her plants in good shape.