Urban gardens can be just as productive and beautiful as large gardens.

With a little attention to detail and a small amount of maintenance they can look stunning. You can have something flowering all year round to attract the widest range of helpful insects with a little planning. If you only have a balcony or terrace do not worry, these too, can be converted in areas of natural beauty!
 
Containers (garden pots, troughs, tubs etc.) are a perfect way to start an urban garden. There are containers to suit every taste and budget, from recycled old sinks to antique stone and metal pots.
 
Plastic pots are by far the most popular but choose carefully as you can pick up eco-friendly alternatives that are recycled or natural.
 
Galvanized metal pots should not be used for ericaceous or acid composts, they can also heat up quickly and cool down quickly so it is advisable to use a hessian sack as a liner in them.
 
Terra-cotta remains the gardeners best choice as it is lightweight and has good thermal qualities. Glazed pots hold water for longer but are more expensive.

Containers provide you with the flexability of planting many different types of plants closely together as the soil conditions in each pot can be specific to each plant. For example, you could grow and acid loving plant next to an alkaline loving plant in separate containers.
 
You can use containers to keep intrusive plants such as mint or lemon balm at bay. They are great for wildlife but are rarely appreciated in the wild. Another bonus is that you can move containers around easily and without disturbing the plants too much. You can alter the shape of your urban garden in minutes.
 
You have to keep a close eye on watering container plants as they tend to dry out quickly. Automatic plant watering systems can take some of the strain of this away. You also have to feed the soil in containers as they are not large enough to build up a ‘live soil’ base. Seaweed is a great water absorbing and nutrient rich plant feed if bought in granulated form.

Providing effective shelter for some of the plants you grow is a must especially on a roof garden. A mini hedge is a great way of providing a wind break for more delicate plants.
 
Within your garden try to add a mixture of plants to attract bees and other insects into your garden. Native plants are great and try to include flowering bulbs, perennials and anuuals for insects and wildlife. Herbs are a good idea as they provide you with a constant supply of fresh food.
 
It is a good idea to have some climbing plants and some that add structure to the area, along with floppy, droopy foliage that cover the pots and add drama.
 
Vegetables are easily added to any urban garden, many will grow quite happily plus you get to eat the rewards! Tomatoes are an obvious choice and salad leaves are easily grown (as long as you have sufficient slug defenses.
 
If you live in a flat and only have window boxes to utilize, then try to fill them with flowers and herbs that flower at different times of the year. You can still have butterflies etc visiting you with very little space. Try to offer wildlife wild flowers as in cities there tends to be a shortage of these. They also need less attention and do not mind a little neglect.
 
In any urban garden you can achieve a wildlife haven with a little planning so get out there and add some colour to the urban environment.