If you’re an urban dweller with a green thumb, you’ll be thrilled to discover the top 10 vegetables and herbs that thrive in urban gardens. In small spaces, it’s important to choose plants that can flourish without sprawling too much. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and easy-to-grow options that will bring fresh flavors to your city abode. From compact lettuce varieties to aromatic basil plants, this article will guide you through the best picks for your urban garden, ensuring a bountiful and vibrant harvest in even the smallest of spaces. So, get ready to unleash your inner gardener and discover the perfect plants to transform your urban oasis.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile vegetables to grow in urban gardens. With their vibrant colors and juicy flavors, they are a must-have for any home gardener. There are different varieties of tomatoes, and it’s important to choose the right ones for your urban garden.
Container varieties
If you don’t have a lot of space in your garden, don’t worry! There are container varieties of tomatoes that are perfect for growing in small spaces, such as on balconies or rooftops. These varieties are compact and don’t require a lot of room to grow. They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even in vertical gardens. Some popular container varieties include Tiny Tim, Tumbling Tom, and Patio Princess.
Determinate varieties
Determinate varieties are another great option for urban gardens. These tomatoes grow to a fixed size and produce a large crop all at once. They are perfect for gardeners who want to harvest a lot of tomatoes at once for canning or preserving. Determinate varieties include Roma, Celebrity, and Glacier.
Indeterminate varieties
Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes are ideal for gardeners who want a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. These tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. They require some support, such as stakes or cages, to keep them upright. Indeterminate varieties include Beefsteak, Cherry, and Brandywine.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for urban gardens. It is a cool-season crop and can be grown throughout the year in most climates.
Leaf lettuce
Leaf lettuce is a loose-leaf variety that forms a rosette of leaves instead of a head. It is quick to mature and can be harvested by simply cutting the outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Leaf lettuce varieties include Red Oak Leaf, Green Salad Bowl, and Black-Seeded Simpson.
Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a popular choice for salads and sandwiches. It has a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter taste. Romaine lettuce forms a tight, elongated head of leaves and can be harvested by cutting the entire head at the base. Some common varieties of Romaine lettuce include Parris Island, Little Gem, and Cos.
Butterhead lettuce
Butterhead lettuce has soft, delicate leaves and a mild flavor. It forms a loose head and can be harvested by cutting the whole head or by picking individual leaves. Butterhead lettuce varieties include Boston, Bibb, and Buttercrunch.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a colorful and flavorful addition to any urban garden. They are rich in vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Yellow bell peppers
Yellow bell peppers, sometimes referred to as golden bell peppers, have a bright yellow color and a sweet, tangy flavor. They are packed with vitamin C and add a burst of color to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. Some popular yellow bell pepper varieties include Golden California Wonder, Sweet Banana, and Sunshine.
Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are fully matured yellow peppers that have a sweet, fruity flavor. They are a great source of vitamins A and C and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Their vibrant red color makes them a visually appealing addition to any dish. Popular red bell pepper varieties include Red California Wonder, Red Knight, and Red Beauty.
Green bell peppers
Green bell peppers are actually unripe red or yellow bell peppers. They have a slightly bitter flavor and are often used in cooking, especially in stir-fries, soups, and stuffed pepper dishes. As the peppers ripen, they turn yellow, orange, and finally red. Some common green bell pepper varieties include Big Bertha, Bell Boy, and Quadrato d’Asti.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Curly kale
Curly kale is the most common variety of kale, characterized by its curly, ruffled leaves. It has a slightly bitter taste and a hearty texture, making it a great addition to salads, soups, and smoothies. Curly kale varieties include Redbor, Winterbor, and Vates Blue Curled.
Lacinato kale
Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, has long, dark green leaves with a wrinkled appearance. It has a slightly sweeter taste and a more delicate texture compared to curly kale. Lacinato kale is often used in Italian cuisine and is delicious when sautéed or added to soups. Some popular Lacinato kale varieties include Nero di Toscana, Dino, and Black Magic.
Red Russian kale
Red Russian kale has broad, flat leaves with a reddish-purple color. It has a milder flavor and a tender texture compared to other kale varieties. Red Russian kale is versatile and can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even as a wrap for sandwiches. Some common Red Russian kale varieties include Ragged Jack, Red Russian, and Scarlet.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals. It is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes.
Baby spinach
Baby spinach refers to young spinach leaves that are harvested before they mature fully. They have a tender texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Baby spinach is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. It is a popular choice for urban gardeners because it can be grown in containers or small spaces. Some popular baby spinach varieties include Avon, Space, and Catalina.
Savoy spinach
Savoy spinach is characterized by its crinkled leaves and dark green color. It has a slightly crisp texture and a slightly stronger, earthy flavor compared to baby spinach. Savoy spinach is commonly used in sautéed dishes, soups, and quiches. Some common Savoy spinach varieties include Bloomsdale, Symphony, and Tyee.
New Zealand spinach
New Zealand spinach is a heat-tolerant variety of spinach that is perfect for urban gardens in warmer climates. It has thick, slightly succulent leaves and a mild, slightly salty flavor. New Zealand spinach is often used in stir-fries, salads, and as a spinach substitute in cooked dishes. Some popular New Zealand spinach varieties include Cook’s, Tetragonia, and Gourmet.
Basil
Basil is a popular herb that is known for its aromatic leaves and distinctive flavor. It is commonly used in Italian, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Sweet basil
Sweet basil is the most common variety of basil and is prized for its sweet, slightly peppery flavor. It has glossy green leaves and pairs well with tomatoes, pasta, and pesto. Sweet basil is easy to grow in urban gardens and can be harvested by pinching off the leaves as needed. Some popular sweet basil varieties include Genovese, Italian Large Leaf, and Sweet Thai.
Genovese basil
Genovese basil is a specific variety of sweet basil that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It has large, broad leaves and a strong, aromatic flavor. Genovese basil is the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is delicious when added to pasta sauces, pizzas, and salads. Some common Genovese basil varieties include Genovese Classico, Nufar, and Italian Heirloom.
Thai basil
Thai basil is a unique variety of basil that is widely used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a distinct anise-like flavor and a spicy, slightly sweet taste. Thai basil is a key ingredient in dishes such as Pad Thai, curries, and stir-fries. It can be grown in urban gardens and adds a flavorful touch to any dish. Some popular Thai basil varieties include Siam Queen, Sweet Thai Basil, and Holy Basil.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that is known for its cooling and soothing properties. It is commonly used in teas, cocktails, desserts, and savory dishes.
Spearmint
Spearmint is the most common variety of mint and has a fresh, slightly sweet flavor. It has bright green leaves and is often used in teas, mojitos, and mint juleps. Spearmint is easy to grow in urban gardens and can be harvested by pinching off the leaves as needed. Some popular spearmint varieties include Kentucky Colonel, Moroccan, and Doublemint.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a mint variety that has a stronger, more intense flavor compared to spearmint. It has dark green leaves with a reddish tint and is often used in candies, syrups, and chewing gum. Peppermint is a versatile herb that can be grown in urban gardens and is a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Some common peppermint varieties include Black Mitcham, Chocolate Mint, and English Mint.
Chocolate mint
Chocolate mint is a unique mint variety that has a refreshing mint flavor with a hint of chocolate. It has dark green leaves with a chocolatey aroma and taste. Chocolate mint is often used in desserts, such as ice cream, hot chocolate, and baked goods. It can be grown in urban gardens and adds a delightful twist to any recipe. Some popular chocolate mint varieties include Peppermint Patty, Chocolate Mint, and Fuzzy Wuzzy.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb that is widely used in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor and is often used as a garnish or seasoning.
Slow-bolting cilantro
Slow-bolting cilantro is a variety that is known for its slow-bolting or delayed flowering. This means that it takes longer for the cilantro plant to produce flowers and go to seed, allowing you to enjoy the leaves for a longer period. Slow-bolting cilantro is ideal for urban gardens as it extends the harvesting season. Some popular slow-bolting cilantro varieties include Santo, Long Standing, and Calypso.
Vietnamese cilantro
Vietnamese cilantro, also known as Vietnamese coriander or Rau Ram, is a variety with a distinctive flavor that is commonly used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has long, slender leaves with a spicy, citrusy taste. Vietnamese cilantro is often used in salads, soups, and as a fresh garnish. It can be grown in urban gardens and adds a unique touch to any dish. Some popular Vietnamese cilantro varieties include Bitter Herb, Daun Kesum, and Polygonum odoratum.
Bolting-resistant cilantro
Bolting-resistant cilantro is a variety that is specially bred to resist bolting, which is when cilantro plants go to seed prematurely. Bolting-resistant cilantro allows for an extended harvest period, giving you more time to enjoy the leaves before the plant bolts. It is a great choice for urban gardens where space is limited. Some common bolting-resistant cilantro varieties include Leisure, Jantar, and Santos.
Sage
Sage is an aromatic herb that is known for its earthy, savory flavor. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Common sage
Common sage, also known as garden sage or culinary sage, is the most common variety of sage and is widely used in cooking. It has grayish-green leaves with a fuzzy texture and a strong, slightly bitter flavor. Common sage is often used in dishes such as stuffing, roasted meats, and sauces. It can be grown in urban gardens and is a versatile herb that adds depth of flavor to many recipes. Some popular common sage varieties include Garden Sage, Berggarten, and Purple Sage.
Pineapple sage
Pineapple sage is a variety of sage that is known for its fruity, pineapple-like aroma and taste. It has bright green leaves and vibrant red flowers. Pineapple sage is often used in teas, cocktails, fruit salads, and desserts. It can be grown in urban gardens and adds a tropical twist to any recipe. Some common pineapple sage varieties include Golden Delicious, Scarlet, and Tangerine.
Clary sage
Clary sage, also known as muscatel sage or clear-eye, is a variety of sage that is prized for its medicinal properties and aromatic fragrance. It has large, fuzzy leaves and tall flower spikes with purple, pink, or white flowers. Clary sage is often used in herbal teas, bath products, and potpourri. It can be grown in urban gardens and provides a beautiful addition to any herb garden. Some popular clary sage varieties include Tricolor, Berggarten, and Vibe.
Chives
Chives are a versatile herb that is known for its mild, onion-like flavor. They are commonly used as a garnish, seasoning, or ingredient in various dishes.
Common chives
Common chives, also known as onion chives, are the most popular variety of chives. They have long, slender leaves and small purple flowers. Common chives are often used in salads, soups, omelets, and creamy sauces. They can be grown in urban gardens and are a great addition to any herb garden or kitchen window sill. Some common chives varieties include Common Chives, Fine-Leaved Chives, and Garlic Chives.
Garlic chives
Garlic chives, also known as Chinese chives or Asian chives, have flat, strap-like leaves and white flowers. They have a mild garlic flavor and are often used in Asian cuisine, stir-fries, dumplings, and sauces. Garlic chives can be grown in urban gardens and add a burst of flavor to any dish. Some popular garlic chives varieties include Chinese Chives, Oriental Garlic Chives, and He-Shi-Ko.
Giant Siberian chives
Giant Siberian chives, also known as broadleaf chives, are a larger variety of chives with broader leaves and taller flower spikes. They have a milder flavor compared to common chives but still retain the onion-like taste. Giant Siberian chives are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. They can be grown in urban gardens and provide a bold, onion flavor to any recipe. Some common Giant Siberian chives varieties include Sibirskij, Broadleaf Garlic Chives, and Giant Chives.
In conclusion, these top 10 vegetables and herbs are excellent choices for thriving in urban gardens. Whether you have limited space on a balcony or rooftop or a small plot of land, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, fresh produce. From the vibrant tomatoes and crisp lettuce to the colorful bell peppers and nutritious greens, these vegetables will add flavor and nutrition to your meals. And with the fragrant herbs like basil, mint, cilantro, and sage, you can elevate your culinary creations to a whole new level. So get your gardening gloves on and start growing these urban garden favorites today!
