Plan Space and Sunlight
1 hourMap hours of direct sun — vegetables need 6+ hours.
Field context
This workflow is part of 12 niche fields
Free step-by-step urban gardening setup for apartment dwellers. Plan urban gardening with calculators and checklists covering plan space and sunlight, budget.
Map hours of direct sun — vegetables need 6+ hours.
Calculate pots, soil, seeds, and trellis costs.
Estimate weekly watering gallons and rain capture if allowed.
Choose USDA zone appropriate vegetables and herbs.
Budget startup gardening supplies. · Indoor grow light cost if needed.
Estimate garden water use.
Compare homegrown versus store transport.
Upcycle containers where safe.
US urban starter.
| Item | Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Containers (5) | $40 | Buckets or fabric |
| Soil | $30 | Quality mix |
| Seeds/starts | $25 | Season |
| Tools | $20 | Trowel, gloves |
Trellis maximizes small balcony space.
Unknown urban soil may contain lead — use fresh mix.
Community seed swaps free diversity.