How To Make A Garden At Home With Our Planters!
In New York City, outdoor space is often limited, making it hard to enjoy fresh produce or a green garden. Rooftops, balconies, and small terraces might seem tough to turn into gardens, but working with soil, plants, and sunlight helps you connect with nature wherever you are.
You do not need a traditional yard to have a thriving garden in New York City. With a rooftop, balcony, or terrace, you can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, enjoy the calming effect of plants, and even save money on produce. A good container garden brings nature into your home, no matter how small your space.
The Planter Resource offers high-quality planters made for urban gardening in NYC. Whether you have a rooftop, balcony, or terrace, our planters help you create a home garden that suits your lifestyle.
Decide What to Grow
Before planting, consider which vegetables, fruits, herbs, or flowers fit your space and lifestyle. Check local growing conditions in New York City, including frost dates, sunlight exposure, and space limitations. If you have a compact area, avoid plants that spread aggressively, like pumpkins.
Choose plants you actually want to eat or enjoy looking at. While flowers add beauty, herbs and vegetables provide both flavor and satisfaction.
Some easy-to-grow vegetables for a DIY home garden include:
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Beans
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Squash
- Leafy greens
For fruits and herbs, consider:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chives
Pay attention to the variety listed on seed packets or plant labels. Certain types are better suited for gardens or container planting. Others resist heat, cold, or urban conditions more effectively. Choose what works best for your space and preferences.
Find a Sunny Spot
The next step is picking the perfect location. Most vegetables and flowers need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Herbs, greens, and root vegetables often tolerate partial shade. Observe where the sun moves and how it reaches your garden.
Avoid areas exposed to strong winds or where frost settles easily. Even small terraces, windowsills, or rooftop corners can become flourishing green spaces with the right planning.
Gather Your Gardening Tools
Having the right tools makes your DIY home garden more manageable. Essentials include a way to water your plants, a spade for planting, and fertilizer or compost to enrich your soil. Consider soil pH and texture because most plants prefer a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Sandy, clay, or loamy soils each affect plant growth differently. Adjust your soil as needed with natural amendments.
Invest in quality tools that last. Here are some items to have on hand:
- Shovel
- Rake
- Hose or watering can
- Spade
- Stakes and string for marking beds
- Sprinkler
- Fertilizer or compost
- Fencing materials
- Soil test kit
Plan Your Garden Layout
Start with a small garden so you do not get overwhelmed. Even small planters can get crowded as plants grow. A tidy, compact garden often does better than a large, messy one. Arrange your plants strategically. Companion planting helps some plants thrive while maximizing space.
For example, tall vegetables like corn can provide shade for leafy greens, and early-season crops like herbs can be replaced with summer vegetables later. Layout rows or grids to make the most of your planters. Beds should be no wider than three to four feet so you can reach the center from either side.
Start Planting
With your planters and layout ready, it is time to plant. After the last frost, it is ideal for outdoor planting. Generally, plant seeds about three times as deep as their diameter, following instructions on each seed packet. Some seeds need light to germinate; check the specific requirements.
Transplants should be planted at the same depth at which they grew in their pots. Protect young plants outdoors by gradually acclimating them to sun and wind.
Choose Planters from The Planter Resource
In New York City, space can be limited, but that does not mean you cannot have a garden. The Planter Resource offers a wide variety of planters suitable for indoor gardens, rooftop terraces, and urban gardening projects in NYC. Our collection includes terracotta, fiberglass, and other high-quality options designed to last while enhancing your space.
For more than 25 years, we have provided quality planters throughout New York City, along with fast service and expert advice. The right planters are the first step to a great garden. Call Planter Resource today!

