Urban gardening

For the artwork, see Urban Garden (sculpture).

Urban gardening is the practice of growing vegetables, fruit and plants in urban areas, such as schools, backyards or apartment balconies.

Characteristic of urban gardens

Urban gardens, also known as city gardens or urban agriculture, refer to the cultivation of plants and sometimes animals within urban areas. These gardens can take various forms and serve multiple purposes, from providing fresh produce for local communities to promoting environmental sustainability and fostering community engagement. Here are some characteristics of urban gardens and what can be considered as one:

Location

Urban gardens are typically located within cities or densely populated urban areas. They can be found in various settings such as parks, vacant lots, rooftops, balconies, community centers, schoolyards, or even indoor spaces like greenhouses and hydroponic setups.

Size

Urban gardens can vary significantly in size, ranging from small individual plots or container gardens to larger community gardens or urban farms. Some urban agriculture projects may cover several acres of land, while others may consist of just a few square feet.

Origins and the Rise of Urban Gardening

The rise of urban gardening is closely tied to rapid urbanization, which has reduced the availability of arable land and increased reliance on long-distance food supply chains. This shift has led to renewed interest in growing food within cities, as seen in the development of community gardens and urban farms. As cities expanded throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, urban agriculture emerged as a response to food insecurity, environmental concerns, and the need for community spaces . With increasing global urbanization, the practice of urban gardening continues to evolve, contributing to sustainability, health, and social equity in cities.

Purpose

Urban gardens serve multiple purposes, including producing fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for local consumption; promoting food security and access to healthy foods in urban areas; enhancing urban biodiversity and ecosystem services; providing educational opportunities for residents, especially children; fostering community engagement and social cohesion; and promoting sustainable practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardening.

Management

Urban gardens may be managed by various entities, including local governments, community organizations, non-profit groups, schools, businesses, or individual residents. Management practices can vary depending on the type and scale of the garden, but they often involve tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding, pest management, and harvesting.

Design

Urban gardens can have diverse designs and layouts, depending on factors such as available space, environmental conditions, intended use, and aesthetic preferences. They may include traditional raised beds, vertical gardens, container gardens, edible landscapes, permaculture designs, or hydroponic systems, among others.

Community Involvement

Many urban gardens emphasize community involvement and participation, allowing residents to come together to plan, create, and maintain the garden spaces. Community gardens, in particular, often involve shared responsibilities and decision-making processes among participating members.

See also

• Container garden, growing plants in pots or other containers, rather than in ground
• Urban horticulture, growing crops or ornamental plants in urban or semi-urban setting
• Urban agriculture, food production in urban setting
• Window box
• Urban park