Urban Gardening 101: Start Your First Garden in 5 Simple Steps

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Urban Gardening 101 Start Your First Garden in 5
Simple Steps
No yard? No problem! Grow fresh food in small
spaces.
by Jerry Kula
JK
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Why Urban Gardening?
Grow anywhere
Save money
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Apartments, balconies, windowsills
Cut grocery bills with homegrown produce
Wellness boost
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Reduce stress, connect with nature
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Step 1 Choose Your Containers
Container types
Right size
Drainage matters
Pots, buckets, grow bags, upcycled items
Deep for veggies, shallow for herbs
Drill holes or add gravel layer
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Step 2 Pick the Right Soil
Perlite 10
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Improves drainage
Compost 30
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Adds nutrients
Potting soil 60
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Base for containers
Avoid garden soil - too dense for containers
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Step 3 Find Your Sunlight
Track sun patterns
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Most edibles need 6 hours direct sun
Map light zones
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Use sunlight calculator app or sticky notes
Low-light options
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Mint, spinach, parsley thrive in shade
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Step 4 Select Easy Starter Plants
Herbs
Leafy Greens
Vegetables

• Basil

• Spinach

• Cherry tomatoes

• Mint

• Lettuce

• Radishes

• Cilantro

• Kale

• Dwarf peppers

Pro tip Start with seedlings, not seeds, for
faster success!
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Step 5 Water Maintain
Check soil daily
Water when dry 1 inch deep
Fertilize regularly
Organic liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks
Control pests naturally
Soapy water for aphids, hand-pick slugs
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellow leaves?
Leggy plants?
Likely overwatering. Let soil dry between
waterings.
Not enough sunlight. Relocate to brighter spot.
Holes in leaves?
Check for caterpillars/slugs. Remove by hand.
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Real-Life Example Maria's Fire Escape Garden
Smart crop selection
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Basil, cherry tomatoes, lettuce
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Tiny space
4 sq. ft. metal fire escape
Impressive yield
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1 salad per week all summer
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Questions? Let's Grow Together!
Ask now
Download checklist
Start growing
Get your questions answered
Free urban gardening guide
Apply what you've learned
Get our FREE Urban Gardening Checklist at
urbangardeningblog.com
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Resources Next Steps
Get budget-friendly tools, read expert guides,
follow daily tips on social media
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Let's Start Your Urban Garden!
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Simple steps
Week to start
Easy process for beginners
Quick setup time
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Yard needed
No outdoor space required
Begin your garden journey today with these simple
techniques!