Urban Gardens
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Urban Gardens
Urban Gardens are more than a century old, although lately they have become a trend in large cities. What is most common for urban cultivations are mini-gardens on patios, although some cities like New York are using the roofs of large buildings to plant products on a more massive scale.
Every day, we care for our health and our quality of life more. This means eating healthier, more natural food. That's why gardens located in terraces and on rooftops in large cities are a perfect solution. There's no longer any excuse for not having a garden in which to plant local, pesticide-free vegetables. What's more, and this is the most fun part, urban gardens offer the possibility to actively participate in the growth process of the products planted.
Keeping your own terrace garden is easy when the weather is right. But ¿how do we protect the mini-garden from winter frosts, or when the hot mid-day sun falls on your vegetables? A home greenhouse is the solution. Thanks to the greenhouse, a microclimate is developed in which the products we've planted can grow without problems.
To construct our own greenhouse, we need to keep in mind where to place and what material should be used to construct it. The greenhouse must be located where it receives sun on clear days, and out of the shadow of other buildings. The material must be stable and resistant, so that it can stand up to wind and rain. If you use recycled material like CD boxes or plastic bottles in addition to protecting your vegetables from excess heat or cold, you will do your part to protect the environment.
Urban gardens are found not only on the terraces of big cities, in schools or within lots; we can even see them in the subway. This is the case in Japan.
The East Japan Railway company has created gardens on the rooftops of various underground stations. This allows users to watch how the plants are growing while waiting for their train.
The project, known as Soradofarm, already has three gardens, each one of which has its own focus: some have to do with the psychological benefit of a collective space dedicated to gardening; others are focussed on organic produce. The largest, located in the Ebisu, Tokio, station, even allows for the renting of 3 square meters of garden with tools, water, garden kit and seed included.
No experience is needed to make an urban garden. You only need to have an affinity for gardening and a liking for healthy, chemical free fruits and vegetables. Get excited about planting your own urban garden. If you need inspiration, you can visit the Portal del Jardín and Maceto-huerto, where you'll find useful information on growing fruits and vegetables on your home's patio.