Are you craving a green outdoor space but have more of a concrete jungle? You’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there has been a rise in people looking for homes with outside space so they can have a place to relax and be outside. It is possible to create such a space in an urban garden without breaking the bank, and here’s how.

Upcycle

By using whatever you can find around the house, unwanted furniture, or even junk from a neighbour, you can create tubs, planters and propagators from just about anything. Pallets are great for adding bases to and using as a pretty planting space, clear plastic vegetable tubs are great for sticking together and making a propagator! The possibilities are endless.

Grow your own

Vegetables – an excellent way to give yourself a greener space is by planting veggies that can be potted. Things like potatoes, carrots, runner beans and tomatoes are great because they don’t take up much room, are easy to manage and you get the reward of the produce at the end! 

Herbs

Herbs are fantastic to grow if you have no outdoor space at all. You can grow them from a window box on a window sill, or on a shelf near a window. They can be grown anytime of year and are a perfect, flavourful addition to your mealtime too.

Flowers 

Just like the veg, look for flowers that are happy to be in a tub or a window box. Wild flowers are incredibly popular as they are relatively easy to maintain and have the added benefit of bee-ing great for our buzzy friends! Plants that flower, like orchids, are great to add colour inside too. 

Pots and tubs 

For small outside spaces with little to no planting space, pots and tubs are such a great alternative. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes and colours which can transform your small concrete courtyard into a lively and vibrant area. Let’s also not forget that tubs are portable so if and when you move, you can take all of your hard work with you!

Trellis and climbing plants 

If you do have a small outdoor space, you can inject some life into it by using trellis and a climbing plant such as a clematis, a rose, or both together as companion plants. They are generally better if planted into a large volume of soil, but can be in pots too. Trellis will not only help to give your garden more privacy, being vertical it’ll add height interest, as well as taking up minimal space.

Plant wall 

You will need to refer to your contract regarding putting things on the wall (or ask your landlords permission) but another good way to give yourself a green space is to arrange a wall of plants that don’t need much attention. Plants such as ‘String of Pearls’ or ‘English Ivy’ will work really well on a vertical wall as they grow down. 

If you have no outdoor space at all but still want to try your hand at growing something green, then why not look for your local community garden, or put yourself on the waiting list for an allotment? You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and grow in a larger green space than at home. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the produce you will help to grow too. Getting involved in the community can really help to build roots and a sense of belonging so there is plenty to get out of it too.. 

There are many ways that you can inject some rural living into your home and life, from pots and hanging baskets, potted fruit and vegetables, to indoor succulent gardens and wall plants. Whichever suits your budget, space and skill, there is something for everyone!