Urban Garden Setup Checklist
Never miss a crucial step in your urban garden setup. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from initial planning to your first harvest, ensuring your city garden succeeds from day one. Print this guide and check off each item as you progress.
Phase 1: Planning & Assessment (Week 1)
Assess Your Growing Space
Measure available area, note sunlight hours (minimum 4-6 hours), check weight limits for balconies/rooftops
Test Environmental Conditions
Monitor temperature variations, wind exposure, and drainage patterns for 3-5 days
Research Local Regulations
Check building/HOA rules, city ordinances, and any permits required for structures
Set Realistic Budget
Plan for containers, soil, plants, tools, and ongoing supplies (typical start: $100-300)
Select Plants for Your Conditions
Choose varieties suited to your light, space, and climate conditions
Phase 2: Gather Essential Supplies (Week 2)
Containers & Structure
- Pots/planters with drainage
- Saucers/trays
- Plant supports/stakes
- Shelving/vertical systems
Growing Medium
- High-quality potting mix
- Compost or organic matter
- Drainage materials (perlite)
- Mulch for surface coverage
Tools & Equipment
- Hand trowel
- Pruning shears
- Watering can/hose
- Measuring tools
Plants & Seeds
- Starter plants or seeds
- Organic fertilizer
- Plant labels
- Seed starting supplies
Source Quality Containers
Ensure proper drainage holes, appropriate sizes, and food-safe materials for edibles
Purchase Premium Growing Medium
Buy enough potting mix to fill all containers plus 20% extra for top-dressing
Assemble Basic Tool Kit
Start with essentials: trowel, pruners, watering can, and measuring tape
Phase 3: Setup & Installation (Week 3)
Prepare Growing Area
Clean space, install wind protection if needed, set up drainage systems
Arrange Containers Strategically
Place tall plants in back, ensure adequate spacing, consider mature plant size
Install Plant Support Systems
Set up trellises, stakes, or cages before planting to avoid root damage
Fill Containers with Growing Medium
Leave 1-2 inches from rim, pre-moisten soil, ensure proper drainage
Establish Watering System
Set up irrigation if needed, establish water source access, test water pressure
Phase 4: Planting & Initial Care (Week 4)
Time Planting Appropriately
Check last frost date, follow seed packet instructions, consider seasonal requirements
Plant at Correct Depths and Spacing
Follow spacing guidelines, plant at proper depth, water gently after planting
Label All Plants with Variety and Date
Use weather-resistant markers, include planting date and expected harvest
Establish Watering Schedule
Water deeply but infrequently, check soil moisture daily, adjust for weather
Apply Mulch Layer
Add 1-2 inch layer around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Timeline Overview
Week 1: Planning and assessment
Week 2: Shopping and supply gathering
Week 3: Setup and infrastructure
Week 4: Planting and initial care
Ongoing: Daily monitoring and weekly maintenance
Critical Don’ts
Don’t plant without checking mature plant size • Don’t forget drainage holes • Don’t plant too early in season • Don’t overcrowd containers • Don’t use garden soil in containers
Success Accelerators
Start a garden journal • Take photos of progress • Join local gardening groups • Plan for succession planting • Celebrate small victories along the way
Phase 5: Ongoing Maintenance Checklist
Daily: Quick Health Check
Check for pests, water needs, and any obvious problems
Weekly: Detailed Maintenance
Deep watering, pruning, fertilizing, and pest management as needed
Monthly: System Review
Evaluate plant performance, adjust care routines, plan next plantings