Turn any balcony, rooftop or yard into a thriving garden.
Step-by-step guides, free planning tools and a planting calendar for city growers — plus free, no-obligation quotes from local garden designers and landscapers when you want a pro.
plants in the Plant Finder
free planning tools
in-depth growing guides
cost to request quotes
What kind of space do you have?
Every city garden starts with honest answers about light, weight and water. Pick your space and we’ll point you to the right guide.
Balcony
Containers, railing planters and the 12 most productive crops for 6 hours of sun or less.
Rooftop
Load limits, wind, waterproofing and lightweight soil — what to check before you lift a pot.
Walls & vertical
Pocket planters, trellises and living walls that multiply growing area without floor space.
Windowsill & indoor
Herbs and greens that tolerate low light, plus when a grow light is worth the money.
Plan it before you plant it.
Our interactive tools turn guesswork into a plan you can print, save and follow.
- Plant Finder — filter 40+ plants by light, space, difficulty and container size.
- Planting Calendar — sow and harvest dates calculated from your last frost.
- Garden Planner — drag-free grid planner with spacing and companion tips.
- Calculators — soil volume, balcony load, water needs and project cost.
Want it done by a pro?
Tell us about your balcony makeover, rooftop garden, green wall or backyard landscape. We match you with up to three vetted local garden designers and landscapers. Free and no obligation.
- Takes about 60 seconds
- Instant budget estimate
- Compare quotes, then decide
Are you a landscaper? Get leads
Grow smarter in the city
The container soil mix that actually works
Why garden soil fails in pots and the simple three-part recipe to use instead.
CompostComposting in an apartment, without the smell
Bokashi, worm bins and countertop systems compared for small homes.
WildlifeBuild a pollinator stop on a balcony
How even a few pots can feed bees and butterflies across a city.
CommunityHow to start a community garden
Land, people, rules and funding — a field-tested launch checklist.
HistoryThe garden city idea, explained
The 1898 planning vision that still shapes green, liveable cities.
RooftopRooftop garden safety & setup
Structural load, wind and drainage, explained in plain language.
Video lessons from trusted educators
Container gardening in limited space — University of Maine
How a rooftop farm can change a city
Six ways to compost, wherever you live
Greenest Balcony Challenge
Show off your small-space garden. Seasonal themes, public voting and prizes from our sponsors.
Enter the contestKeep the guides free
Donations fund new guides, tools, contest prizes and paying expert contributors.
Support Garden.CityWrite, film or grow with us
We’re hiring horticulture writers, video creators and city ambassadors.
See open rolesThe City Garden Starter Kit
A printable checklist, light-mapping worksheet and first-season crop plan. Get it free, plus one practical growing email a month.
Common questions
Is Garden.City really free?
Yes. All guides and tools are free. We’re supported by advertising, sponsorships, reader donations and a referral fee some garden professionals pay when they receive a project request.
How does quote matching work?
You describe your project once. We share it with up to three suitable local professionals who contact you with quotes. You’re never obliged to hire anyone.
Can I grow food with only a few hours of sun?
Yes — leafy greens, herbs like mint and parsley, and many Asian greens produce well with 3–4 hours. Use the Plant Finder’s “part shade” filter.
Is Garden.City connected to a place called Garden City?
No. Garden.City is an independent publication. See our trademark notice.