The Beginner’s Guide to Urban, Patio, and Rooftop Gardening: Navigating Zoning Laws with Ease

Introduction

Hey there, green thumbs! Are you eager to dive into the world of urban gardening, patio gardening, or even take your green dreams to new heights with rooftop gardening? That’s fantastic! However, before you start digging in the dirt and planting your favorite veggies, it’s essential to understand the zoning laws and statutes that come into play. Continue reading “The Beginner’s Guide to Urban, Patio, and Rooftop Gardening: Navigating Zoning Laws with Ease”

 

Potting Soil

Where to use Potting Soil

I use potting soil in my urban garden because my backyard is cement and all I can use is potting soil.

Potting soil is usually used in containers, flower pots, and hanging baskets.

There are 2 kinds, basic and organic.

Basic potting soil is generally made up of 3 substances.

1. Compost tree bark gives the plant structure, improves drainage, and helps with nutrient absorption.
2. Sphagnum tree moss which allows the plant to breathe and drain.  It’s not very popular so it’s not in all potting soils.
3. Vermiculite and perlite are minerals that expand when exposed to heat.  They also help in drainage and helps the plant breathe.  Styrofoam beads are sometime used in place of these 2 minerals. 

Organic Potting Soil

When you go organic you won’t have to worry about contaminants or pesticides that may be in your basic potting soil.

A good organic potting mix will have some unique organic substances.  The list is long so here goes

1. Bat Guano is rich in nitrogen and helps your plants grow.
2. Humus is an organic material that forms when plant and animal matter decay.  This creates an essential compound for healthy and fertile soil.
3. Mulch is a mixture of organic residue made from leaves and even newspapers.  What I like about mulch is that it keeps the ground cool during the summer.
4. Alfalfa Meal made of dried and shredded alfalfa is a multivitamin for your container.  It helps restore your garden to its original beauty.
5. Kelp is dried ocean seaweed that is rich in potassium that helps plants fight off pests and diseases.
6. Beneficial Bacteria such as mycorrhizae make your roots more efficient in absorbing water and nutrients.
7. Earthworm casing which plants love will help the roots breathe better and keep those nutrients in the soil where they belong.

https://youtu.be/RYLDTN4DiaI

What is Homemade Potting Media?

Just imagine there were no garden centers or home supply stores that sell organic potting soil and organic potting mix.

Or you just want to make your own potting mix.  Its not always cheaper to make your own potting mix and you do have to do some running around but think of the rewards. 

Bragging rights when you tell all your gardener friends when they are whooing and ahhing over your garden about how you created your own soil.

Here’s an awesome article from Penn State that tells you all about the different ingredients “Yes in a way this is a recipe”

Homemade Potting Media

Eight Advantages of Having Trees in Your Garden

 I was reading an article about how much an urban gardener can benefit from having trees in there garden.

I started thinking about this and imagining how beautiful my garden would be with trees.  I admit the garden is very small but I started doing a little research and found out there is a tree for every garden. 

Even if you have a patio that you use for your garden you can still add a small tree.

The tree I see the most when I do research is Japanese Maple.  Its leaves change from pink to plum over the seasons.  Its a versatile tree that grows very well in a container and will stand out in your garden.

Another tree for the urban garden is the Bay Tree I put in a link as there seems to be a lot to the Bay Laurel Tree. 

https://www.ruralsprout.com/grow-bay-laurel/

Another tree that you would not think would do well in a container but actually thrives is a Fig Tree.  I know this for a fact as there are 2 fig tree growing on my block and doing very well.  Incidentally I live in the northeast US and the coldest it gets is around the high 20 Fahrenheit.  So this tree might fit nicely in your garden.

Below Is some images of the trees I am talking about in this article

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Some home gardeners are afraid of planting trees in their garden because they think they will grow out of control. But, trees can be good for your garden. You need to plant smaller trees that are native to your area and keep them pruned, but they can add a lot of beauty and benefits.

Where ever you live there are trees that you can add to your patio or your urban garden.  Just do a little research on what kind of tree does well in the area you live in.  Just plant your tree and sit back and watch as your garden takes on a whole new dimension.

1. Improve Air Quality – Trees help reduce air pollution, absorb carbon dioxide, and help cool places that are too hot due to trapped gases in urban areas. You can basically use small trees in your garden to change the climate and improve the air quality substantially.

2. Reduce Rain Runoff – Small trees in your garden will help absorb rainwater so that it keeps your garden from getting too wet and flooding. The leaves collect, stop, and slow the rain down, preventing soil erosion during bad weather cycles.

3. Moderate Extreme Sun – If you live in a very hot area where the sun is very strong and there isn’t very much rain or cool weather, it can be hard to grow food in your garden. Small trees placed strategically can provide shade and adjust the climate in your garden naturally.

4. Lessen Wind Impacts – Some plants are delicate and others are much stronger. Small trees can help block the wind strategically in your garden and force the wind to go around your garden if you place the trees properly. That will help protect delicate garden plants and fruit bearing plants.

5. Protect Against Bad Weather – Hail and hard rain can ruin your garden if it hits at the wrong time. But, small trees placed in the right areas can help lessen the impact of bad weather and help save your garden. You can use the plants you put in your garden to guide the rain where you want it to go.

6. Brings in Pollinators – You need bees to pollinate your garden. Planting certain types of trees can help attract all kinds of pollinators, including bees. It’s imperative to plant native trees, though, so that you’ll bring in the right pollinators. Since beekeepers are having serious problems with colony collapse, you will be doing the earth a favor if you plant more trees that bees love.

7. Hide Ugly Walls – Outside of the environmental issues, if you have fencing, walls, and other areas of your garden that aren’t attractive, planting a tree strategically will help a lot. In addition to hiding problems, they are helpful for the environment.

8. They Look Nice – Trees look pretty in a garden; it gives the eye something to look at no matter the season. Your garden can look attractive all year long no matter what the weather. You can keep trees a lot more pruned and smaller than you think if you pick the right ones for your area.

Using small trees in your garden will improve air quality, protect against bad weather, and even help change the climate in the garden for better growth – such as in super-sunny and hot areas that don’t have any type of shade.