Big ideas for small spaces
An urban garden of vegetables, fruit, herbs and houseplants growing in a city apartment.

Urban Gardening Hub

Hello all you...

Everyone should be able to enjoy the joys of growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and houseplants - even those living in towns and cities with little space. Our mission at Urban Gardening Hub (UGH) is to help those of us without big gardens or green spaces embrace the beauty of urban gardening, no matter how small our patch.

It's easier than you might think to jungle up your concrete - so let's dive in!

Colourful houseplants growing on a city window-ledge

What is urban gardening?

Urban gardening is the practice of growing and caring for veg, fruit, herbs and plants in any nooks and cranny you can find in a built-up area: whether it's a courtyard garden, balcony, rooftop, window-ledge, or even just a sunny spot indoors.

You can keep things as simple, or make things as creative, as you like. Some urban gardeners create vertical gardens (sometimes called living walls or green walls) and container gardens, maximising every bit of space available. Others simply put a tray of seedlings in a warm, bright spot and go from there!

The important thing is that, whatever your favoured method, urban gardening is an accessible, fun, and sustainable way to bring greenery and fresh produce into your city life - reducing your carbon footprint, topping up your fridge, and brightening up your home as you go.

Types of urban gardening

Urban garden is incredibly varied, and our expert advice and step-by-step guides will help you:

  • Learn how to make a container garden
  • Grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs
  • Create a vertical garden
  • Design and build a courtyard garden
  • Grow your own mushrooms
  • Make your own indoor herb garden
  • Grow your own bonsai tree
  • Find the best gardening supplies
  • Create a balcony garden
  • And much, much more

We're also passionate about the rapidly-evolving world of technology in urban gardening, from hydroponics (including the best hydroponic plants, towers, and kits) to smart irrigation systems, so we'll be focusing a lot on this, too.

A grow-it-yourself lettuce plant on a sunny windowsill
Fresh tomatoes in a bowl on a sunny kitchen table

Get started in 1-2-3

1. Assess your space: Consider light and space to choose suitable projects. Herbs can fit in any urban garden (like a balcony basil plant for example) but a citrus tree or hydroponic tower needs a more space.

2. Gather your supplies: Even a basic urban garden needs potting mix, pots and seeds, while more advanced set-ups require watering systems and artificial light. Make sure you're prepped.

3. Learn the basics: Familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of soil, watering, and plant care. Some projects, like an indoor lettuce tray, are very low maintenance. Others, like balcony grapes or an avocado tree, need a more experienced hand. Expand your garden as you learn.