An easy guide to creating an edible garden for every space

Creating edible gardens for people in urban areas is our jam, so when we look at a new space with the idea of growing food, we look for certain areas of the garden that tick a number of boxes.

I’m going to run through this process so hopefully you can view your space (whatever the size and shape) with a renewed eye for edible garden layout.

All the leftover areas that aren’t quite suitable for growing food can, of course, be filled with ornamental varieties you love, too. As I’m always trying to tell my partner, you can never have too many.

First, spots dedicated to the needs of edibles must have ample sun. Full sun is the prevailing factor for healthy, strong and productive edibles. Living in the city can make this hard, so keep your eyes peeled for the best location that gets at least six hours of sun a day. This may change throughout the seasons. You may get less in winter, but make the most out of your six-plus-hour days while you can.

North-facing walls

These catch the sun most of the year, so placing pots, planters or garden beds against your north-facing walls will provide a vertical area for climbers or a frame of pots. Radiant heat from the wall will help. If you’ve got the perfect north-facing wall, start by attaching a trellis from ground level to about two metres, then try your hand at growing some snow peas from seed this autumn.

Courtyard

Generally, a courtyard is designed to become your garden’s “sweet spot” where the sun beams down most of the year, which makes them perfect for growing food. It’s important to leave some room to sit in, but if you can squeeze in a few pots or a small raised bed you’ll be rewarded with fresh fodder. A trio of terracotta pots, a small timber or Corten steel raised bed, or some rectangular lightweight planters are all perfect solutions.

You’ll need three bags of premium potting mix to one bag of cow manure. This ratio, mixed with some homemade compost and worm castings/juice will make for healthier, resilient and nutrient-rich plants.

Balconies

Urban balconies can often be shady if you’re on the south side of an apartment, but most get summer afternoon sun, which can make things a little tricky. East and west-facing balconies both receive around half a day of sun, so aim to raise your pots a little higher for more exposure.

Remember to consider the wind up high and where your plants will be most protected. Use taller ornamental plants or fruit trees to provide windbreaks and cosy microclimates. Having a tap on the balcony is useful, leaving no excuses for thirsty plants.

If your balcony is prone to hot sun and windy days, opt for hardy herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, wild rocket, oregano, parsley, chilli and more root vegetables. If it’s on the shadier side, try softer herbs like coriander, dill, parsley, watercress and taller growing herbs and vegetables.

Gardens and yards

Stake your claim in the sunny spot (while paying respect to the Hills Hoist, if that’s your battle) and be mindful of whether you’ll be growing food under or near the canopy of any trees. If so, lay drainage fabric down a few layers thick at the base of your raised bed and staple up high in the bed or you’ll have it full of thirsty tree roots within about eight months.

If you don’t have trees, remove turf or create space in the current garden bed. Start by adding a soil conditioner, 100 millimetres of manure and compost to your bed – add organic veggie fertiliser on top.

Apartment, home or garage rooftops

We’ve created plenty of abundant gardens on rooftops due to the flat, sunny and open area. They need to be safe and have adequate weight-loading capacity and drainage. Many people keep beehives and fruit trees on roofs. We recently installed a chook pen nestled under some trees on an urban city rooftop. Green roofs are fantastic for growing food, with the benefit of increasing biodiversity and creating a new space to relax in.

Public space

Plots might be available if you do your time at the local community garden; you’ll be sure to meet some interesting and knowledgeable gardeners. Many councils are now promoting verge gardens, so this is a worthwhile option. A couple of square metres is perfect start — and getting to know your neighbours.

Slow Down and Grow Something: The Urban Grower’s Recipe for the Good Life, by Byron Smith with Tess Robinson, Murdoch Books. urbangrowers.com.au