How To Repel Insects Urban Gardening In Florida

Gardening is officially back on the 'cool' list. From wellbeing to sustainability, our outdoor space is so much more than just a place to dine alfresco on a warm summer's day.

In fact, it's now easier than ever to fulfil our green-fingered dreams, especially for those of us who live in the city with a small garden, or for those of us who have no garden at all.

B y 2030, it's estimated that 92 per cent of the UK population will live in cities where gardens come at a premium.

But what creative ways are there to maximise outdoor space to grow food, relax and support wildlife? The Greenhouse People have shared an essential guide to becoming a successful urban gardener.

1. Edible delights

It's a common misconception that you need acres of land to grow your own food – but you really don't. 'Portable containers, crates or pots are a great way to grow on any hard surface and chase the sunlight to maximise your yield,' say The Greenhouse People. 'The clear winners in an urban garden are lettuces, tomatoes, peppers, beans and Asian greens like Pak Choi.'

Tip: Connecting two beds with a decorative arbor creates aesthetic appeal and gives vines, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or squash, a place to climb. A lean-to greenhouse is also a great space-saving option to extend the growing season.

Westend61

2. Create the illusion of space

Forming different zones in an urban garden will make the space feel bigger than it is – think a small growing patch, a sitting area and a pebbled miniature zen garden. Keep seating low for a cocooning effect and anchor corners with larger plants.

The Greenhouse People also suggest matching your outdoor furniture with the same décor theme in your kitchen or living room – this will help to blur the distinction between indoors and out. 'Weather-resistant mirrors can also accentuate a sense of space and reflect sunlight into shadier areas,' they suggest.

Diana Sjölund / EyeEm

3. Handy hideaways

Space is always at a premium but there are ways to keep your urban garden tidy whilst getting maximum enjoyment. 'Try installing a wood-cladded or rattan storage box which can be used as a bench in the summer months with the addition of a few throw pillows. A lick of paint will instantly make this a statement feature.'

If you lack the space to store a watering can, bottle top waterers can turn any plastic bottle you may have lying about the house into a handy dispenser (£6.75, Amazon).

L Alfonse

4. Attract wildlife

Create a micro nature reserve with bird baths, brightly-coloured flowers, log piles and bee bricks to encourage flying friends to visit you and allow your mind to escape to the country.

'The presence of birds, butterflies and bees in your urban garden will also support your ecosystem, keeping plants healthy and encourage pollination,' explain The Greenhouse People. 'Encourage your neighbours to do the same and you'll all reap the benefits.'

Great tit (Parus major) perched on birdhouse

David White

5. Indoor gardening

Remember, an urban garden doesn't have to be outside. Besides purifying the air in our homes, houseplants also have great aesthetic value.

The Greenhouse People explain: 'Succulents are a great option for beginners because they require little TLC – try Echeveria with its rainbow-coloured leaves, Dudleya with its chalky powder colouring and Crassula with its braid-like geometric patterns.

'If you fancy a challenge, try Calatheas also known as the Zebra plant for its beautiful stripped leaves, which needs regular watering, misting and feeding during the growing.'

Westend61

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Olivia Heath Executive Digital Editor, House Beautiful UK Olivia Heath is the Executive Digital Editor at House Beautiful UK where she's busy uncovering tomorrow's biggest home trends, all whilst delivering stylish room inspiration, small space solutions, easy garden ideas and house tours of the hottest properties on the market.

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