The rise of urban gardens has revolutionized the way many people relate to food, self-consumption, and the environment. Nowadays, growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs is possible even in small spaces, such as balconies, terraces, or patios. If you're thinking about creating your own urban garden and are looking for a comprehensive buying guide along with a comparison of the best modelsHere you'll find all the information and practical advice you need to take the leap toward a more sustainable, healthy, and rewarding lifestyle.
Why have an urban garden at home?
Having an urban garden in your home gives you fresh food, greater control over the origin of your products and the opportunity to connect with nature regardless of the environment in which you live.
- Fresh and healthy foods: Growing your own vegetables ensures you get quality products. pesticide free and great tasting, for a healthier and more natural diet.
- Economic savings: With an urban garden, you reduce your spending on vegetables and herbs. The savings become evident over time, especially if you previously consumed organic products.
- Waste reduction: By growing what you need, you reduce food and packaging waste, promoting sustainability.
- Emotional and mental well-being: Caring for plants is a therapeutic activity that improves mood and helps reduce stress.
- Family education and leisure: Urban gardening is an excellent educational tool for those who live with children and an activity that fosters patience and responsibility.
Key factors before purchasing an urban garden
- Available space: Consider where you'll be installing your garden (balcony, terrace, patio, window, or even indoors next to a light source). There are solutions for large spaces and compact models for very small areas.
- Solar exposition: Most crops need between 4 and 6 hours of direct sunlightIf your space is shady, opt for species that are less demanding in terms of light.
- Type of crop: Determine whether you want vegetables, herbs, flowers, or a combination. Each plant has specific needs for space, substrate, and water.
- Material and durability: Models can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or geotextile. Prioritize weather-resistant and easy-to-clean materials, especially if the garden will be outdoors.
- Ease of maintenance: There are gardens that require more attention (such as those with manual irrigation) and others that offer facilities such as self-watering systems or protective covers.
- Accessibility: If you have back problems or are going to share the garden with children, the raised grow tables are more comfortable.
- Budget: There are options for all budgets, from basic kits to complete systems with irrigation and protection systems.
Types of urban gardens. Which one is best for you?
- Growing tables
- Advantages: Elevated, ergonomic, they prevent soil pests, usually include a drainage system, and can be installed both outdoors and indoors.
- Disadvantages: They take up more space than other options and can be more expensive. They require a solid, stable base.
- Makings: Treated wood (greater thermal insulation and natural aesthetics), galvanized metal (durable and resistant), high-density plastic (lightweight and portable).
- Vertical gardens and wall planters
- Advantages: They make the most of small spaces, ideal for balconies and walls, and perfect for aromatic plants, strawberries, or small crops.
- Disadvantages: Lower substrate capacity, more demanding in terms of irrigation and humidity.
- Makings: Durable polypropylene, geotextile, lightweight wood.
- Boxes and soil terraces
- Advantages: They allow for a greater volume of substrate, are ideal for crops that require depth, and can be installed in patios or private gardens.
- Disadvantages: They require more space and sometimes more assembly and installation work.
- Makings: Treated wood, brick, stone or even recycled materials.
- Pots and planters
- Advantages: Complete flexibility, there are models for all types of plants and sizes, ideal for experimentation and beginners.
- Disadvantages: Lower efficiency in large productions and may require more individual care.
- Complete urban garden kits
- Advantages: They include everything you need: container, substrate, seeds, instructions, and even tools. Perfect for beginners or as a gift.
- Disadvantages: Limited capacity and less versatility for subsequent crops.
Comparison of the best urban garden models and kits
- All-in-one kit: Ideal for beginners, they usually come with seeds, growing medium, pots/planters, and a growing guide. Many include basic tools.
- Automatic irrigation kits: They incorporate drip or self-watering irrigation systems, guaranteeing a constant and efficient supply of water.
- Vertical growing kits: The perfect solution for balconies or small walls. They allow for multi-level planting, maximizing space and decorating urban environments.
- Treated wood cultivation tables: They stand out for their capacity and durability. Some models include compartments, dividers, and accessories for protection against external elements.
- Flowerpots and planters made of different materials: There are options in wood, recycled plastic, and galvanized metal, each with specific strength and aesthetic characteristics.
- Compact greenhouses and garden houses: They add climate protection and extend the growing season, and are highly recommended for areas with extreme climates.
Materials: Which one to choose for your urban garden?
- Treated wood: A robust, natural, and decorative material. If it's for outdoor use, make sure it's properly treated (such as autoclaved) and, whenever possible, FSC-certified. It provides thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal.
- Galvanized metal: It stands out for its great strength and durability. It's ideal for humid climates or urban environments exposed to the elements.
- High-density or recycled plastic: Lightweight, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Attractive models are available for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Geotextile: Very practical for vertical gardens and grow bags. They provide good root aeration and are perfect for herbs and small crops.
Where to install the urban garden?
- Balcony or terrace: Ideal spaces due to their access to light, ventilation possibilities, and easy watering.
- Interiors near windows: If you don't have an outdoor space, you can set up your garden next to a bright window or even use systems with specific artificial lighting.
- Garden or patio: It allows for the use of larger beds or boxes, as well as the installation of small greenhouses or garden houses to optimize conditions.
The substrate and the soil: the basis of success
Choose a good substrate It's essential for the development of your plants. The best results are obtained by mixing different components, depending on the type of plants you're growing. For more information on how to get started, we recommend visiting our Complete guide on what an urban garden is.
- Composted organic substrates: Like vermicompost (worm compost), they provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
- Coconut fiber: Lightweight, porous, and highly water-retaining. Ideal for structural mixes.
- Peat and composted plant material: They are usually part of commercial substrates and provide organic matter.
- Recommended proportion: A typical mix is ​​60% coconut fiber and 40% vermicompost, adjusting according to crop needs.
- Renewal: Stir and aerate the substrate between growing cycles and add fresh compost to replenish nutrients.
The most suitable irrigation system
- Hand watering: It is sufficient for small gardens; you can use a watering can to control humidity and avoid excess.
- Drip irrigation: Recommended for medium and large gardens, it guarantees a constant and efficient supply of water.
- Self-watering kits: Very useful if you spend time away from home or want to minimize maintenance. Some include a water reservoir and humidity indicators.
- Self-watering planters: They have a built-in reservoir that keeps the substrate moist regularly and are ideal for beginners.
Seeds, seedlings, and what to grow in an urban garden
- Organic seeds: They are the best option for promoting sustainability and health. Choose seeds adapted to the local climate to ensure success. To learn about the different options, check out our Guide to what to plant in an urban garden.
- Saplings: Ideal for beginners, they allow you to skip the most delicate phase of cultivation.
- Rotation and combination: Alternate different types of plants in your crops to enrich the soil and prevent pests.
- What to plant? It depends on the space, light and season, but the most common are lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, radishes, onions, carrots, herbs (basil, rosemary, mint), and leafy plants such as chard or spinach.
- Tip: If it's your first time, start with short-cycle, easy-care plants like lettuce and radishes.
Essential accessories and useful extras
- Basic tools: Shovel, rake, small hoe, pruning shears. A small kit is sufficient for routine maintenance.
- Tutors and meshes: For climbing plants or those that require it (tomatoes, beans, cucumbers).
- Covers and protections: Plastics, bird netting, or specific covers to protect against the elements and pests.
- Humidity indicators: Devices that help you determine when to water.
- Modular systems and expansion accessories: To personalize your garden and adapt it to the needs of each season.
Differences and characteristics of the most prominent models
- Standard height grow tables: They facilitate ergonomic work, prevent soil pests, and hold a large substrate volume. Ideal for those seeking comfort.
- Soil terraces: They allow for larger and deeper crops, and are recommended for larger outdoor spaces.
- Vertical gardens made of polypropylene or geotextile: Especially useful for optimizing small spaces and beautifying walls with aromatic plants and flowers.
- Mini modular gardens: Quick and easy to assemble, with customizable sizes and layouts. Some include dividers, covers, and seasonal accessories.
- Compact greenhouses or garden houses: They extend the growing season and improve plant protection against adverse weather conditions.
How to compare the quality and durability of an urban garden
Before deciding on a model, it is advisable to take into account:
- Opinions and reviews: Check out other users' reviews to learn about the actual durability of the materials and easy assembly.
- Brand reputation: Choose recognized manufacturers committed to sustainability, especially for treated wood.
- Guarantees and after-sales service: Good technical support is a sign of quality and reliability.
- Materials with certificates: If it's wood, look for FSC or PEFC certification. For plastics, look for high-density, UV-resistant plastics.
Advanced criteria and tips to get the most out of your urban garden
- Strategic location: Observe the light at different times of the day and move your pots around if necessary to achieve the best performance.
- Crop association and rotation: Plant species that benefit from each other to avoid pests and diseases, such as carrots with onions or tomatoes with basil. For more details, see our guide to crop associations.
- Pest monitoring: Monitor frequently and use ecological remedies (such as potassium soap or color traps) if you detect unwanted insects.
- home composting: Use household organic waste to make your own compost and fertilize your urban garden.
- Personalization: Paint the wood with natural dyes, install automatic irrigation, or adjust the height to make it accessible to the whole family.
