There is a growing movement in Latin America wherein people all across the continent are growing their own food in urban areas to cope with food insecurity. According to a report, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Cuba, Bolivia, and Ecuador have been taking initiatives in urban agriculture and growing tons of vegetables, herbs, and fruits in unlikely settings. These intrepid gardeners prove that you can have a patch of green even in bustling cities; growing your own vegetables and flowers can be done if one takes the time and effort to do so. For ways of creating a garden in an urban space, follow these tips.

For a small front yard

Some urban dwellers are lucky enough to have a small front yard, and if you happen to have a small patch of land outside your home, make the most of it by filling it with greenery such as small trees, perennials, and shrubs. For a touch of elegance, add a stone outdoor water fountain to your garden. This feature surrounded by greens can give your home a dramatic feel and set it apart from other houses in your neighborhood. Don’t forget to clean your fountain regularly to prevent mold and algae growth.

For a house without a yard

There’s no reason why your home shouldn’t have plant life just because you don’t have a yard. The solution? Go vertical. You can build a vertical garden on a chain link fence, use soda bottles as herb planters and hang them on your wall, or mount a vertical garden planter on an exterior wall of your home. You can even do the same if all you have for an outdoor space is a balcony.

For apartment dwellers

If you have no land to speak of, embrace container gardening. Apartment dwellers who have a balcony can start a balcony garden. First, assess how much sunlight your balcony gets, then decide whether you’re growing edibles or ornamental plants in your space. You can grow certain herbs in a single pot such as mint, chives, and coriander, while other herbs such as rosemary, sage, and oregano can share space in another pot. If you wish to grow vegetables, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce are low maintenance and can be easily grown on a balcony. Add a seating area such as a small coffee table and a chair or two, a few cushions, then hang up some string lights, and you’ve got yourself a comfortable outdoor space.

Whether you’ve got a small patch of land or just pots of soil in your home, creating a garden is possible with a little creativity and a little effort. Follow these tips to create a garden in an urban space and enjoy having a green haven in the city.

[ssba]