Choosing to grow your own urban vegetable garden is a massive step towards self-reliance. With current events being what they are, supply disruptions, rising prices, and all that, every bite you can provide for yourself and your family is a step in the proper direction. In this article, I will discuss the basic considerations involved in starting your urban garden.

As Daisy says, "It's time to become a producer instead of a consumer." 

Ordinances of urban gardening 

Ah, the bureaucracy! Many municipalities, including mine, have ordinances covering vegetable gardens. One is wise who learns these in advance, for the Internet abounds with horror stories of citizens crossing local government. Therefore, forewarned is forearmed. For example, my city has ordinances covering setbacks, which is the distance my garden must be from sidewalks, property lines, and my house.

There are also regulations covering compost piles. While I'm allowed to collect rainwater, my barrels must not be visible from the street. If you're an apartment or condo dweller, the management or association may also have rules in place. What are the laws covering gardens in your situation?

Urban vegetable garden siting and lighting

Now that you've researched the local laws and are good to go legally, where do you plan to put your garden?

If you're a homeowner, you can site the garden in your yard. Preferably your backyard to keep prying eyes to a minimum. I live right across the street from a high school. Kids often don't think very far ahead. Someone might see your garden and decide to grab something that looks yummy without considering the effort put into that veggie or the plans you had for it. So the backyard is preferable. And may also help keep the city inspectors from bothering you. Bonus!

The strongest and best light for growing vegetables is typically south and east. Ideally, your garden should be situated to take advantage of this. Light will dictate much of what you can grow. For example, tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If your garden doesn't get that, consider either a different spot or a different menu. There are many shade-living plants, most notably spinach and other greens.