Urban Gardening in Lusaka: How to Start Your Small Garden in Limited Space
Urban Gardening in Lusaka: How to Start Your Own Small Garden in Limited Space
Urban gardening is becoming a growing trend in Lusaka as more people embrace the joys of cultivating their own food and greenery. But what if you live in a flat or a house where the landlord has paved over the entire yard? Limited space doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dream of having a garden. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create a thriving garden, even in the smallest spaces.
Why Urban Gardening?
Urban gardening offers numerous benefits:
Fresh Produce: Growing your own vegetables and herbs can save money and provide healthier, fresher ingredients.
Mental Well-being: Tending to plants is therapeutic and helps reduce stress.
Environmental Impact: Adding greenery combats air pollution and reduces the urban heat island effect.
Aesthetic Appeal: A small garden can transform your flat or yard into a relaxing oasis.
Let’s dive into the practical steps for starting your small urban garden.
1. Assess Your Space
Balcony or Patio Gardening
If you have a balcony, patio, or even a small stoop, you can use pots, planters, and hanging baskets to create a garden. Measure the space and take note of sunlight exposure to determine what you can grow.
Tip: South-facing balconies in Lusaka receive the most sunlight, ideal for vegetables and flowering plants.
Paved Yards
A fully paved yard can still be used for gardening with the right containers. Consider movable planters to adapt to limited sunlight or heavy rains.
Indoor Gardening
If outdoor space is unavailable, windowsills, shelves, and countertops near natural light can host small pots for herbs and succulents.
2. Choose the Right Plants
For small gardens, focus on compact, versatile, and low-maintenance plants.
Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, chives, and rosemary grow quickly, don’t need deep soil, and are perfect for adding flavour to meals.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive in containers and Lusaka’s warm climate.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, chilli peppers, and small varieties of aubergine (eggplant) grow well in pots.
Flowers and Aesthetics: Add colour with marigolds, petunias, or succulents. These beautify your space and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
3. Select Suitable Containers
Containers are key to urban gardening when you lack traditional garden beds.
Pots and Planters: Available in materials like plastic, clay, or recycled options.
Vertical Planters: Use wall-mounted racks, pallet gardens, or hanging pots to maximise space.
Grow Bags: Affordable and flexible, ideal for root vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
DIY Options: Reuse buckets, old tyres, or wooden crates for a budget-friendly solution.
Ensure all containers have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Add a layer of pebbles at the bottom for protection.
4. Maximise Vertical Space
When ground space is scarce, look upwards.
Wall Planters: Hang planters on walls or fences for herbs and flowers.
Trellises and Ladders: Use trellises for climbing plants like beans or cucumbers.
Stackable Planters: These allow multiple plants to grow in a compact area.
5. Prepare Your Soil and Compost
Good soil is essential for healthy plants, even in small gardens.
Soil Mixtures: Use high-quality potting soil mixed with compost. Create your own compost with kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
Fertilisers: Organic fertilisers like chicken manure or worm compost are widely available in Lusaka.
6. Watering Wisely
Containers dry out faster than traditional garden beds, so proper watering is crucial.
Water Early or Late: Water in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
Use a Spray Bottle: For delicate plants, a spray bottle ensures even watering without over-soaking.
Rainwater Collection: Set up a small rain barrel or bucket to collect water during Lusaka’s rainy season.
7. Protect Your Plants
Urban gardening comes with challenges like pests and harsh weather.
Pest Control: Use natural deterrents like garlic spray or neem oil. Introduce friendly insects like ladybirds to control aphids.
Weather Protection: Use shade nets to shield plants from intense sun or heavy rain. Move portable containers indoors during storms.
8. Why Do People Pave Their Yards—and Why It’s Not Ideal?
In Lusaka, many homeowners choose to pave their yards to reduce maintenance, control dust during the dry season, and create a tidy aesthetic. While this may seem practical, it comes with significant drawbacks. Paved surfaces contribute to increased heat retention, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. They also prevent water absorption into the soil, leading to poor drainage and potential flooding during the rainy season. Moreover, paving eliminates natural spaces for greenery, reducing biodiversity and depriving homeowners of benefits like cooling, cleaner air, and the calming effects of plants. Instead of fully paving a yard, consider integrating green areas or using permeable pavers that allow water to seep through. For guidance on what to grow and when, the Growing in Zambia calendar is a fantastic resource. It’s also worth visiting one of Lusaka’s many nurseries, such as Green Finger in Makeni, Havillah Gardens on Church Road, or Butterfly Bush on Great East Road, to explore plant options and get expert advice. With so many nurseries dotted across the city, you’ll never run out of inspiration to turn your outdoor space into a thriving garden!
9. Join Lusaka’s Gardening Community
Gardening is more enjoyable when shared. Lusaka has an active gardening community where you can exchange tips, seeds, and advice.
Facebook Groups: Join local gardening groups for inspiration and support.
Visit Garden Nurseries: To learn advanced techniques, attend workshops at places like Sugarbush Cafe or local nurseries like Rose Garden Nursery.
10. Start Small, Grow Big
Urban gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a few pots and easy-to-grow plants. As you gain confidence, expand your garden and experiment with new ideas.
Final Thoughts
Urban gardening in Lusaka is an achievable dream, even for those living in flats or paved spaces. Growing plants like leafy greens and herbs that mature quickly ensures a consistent supply of fresh produce while intercropping or rotating plants efficiently use space. Not only will you enjoy fresh food, but you’ll also contribute to a greener, healthier city.
So, grab a pot, plant a seed, and watch your urban oasis come to life!
( for more of what is happening in Lusaka please click here for our calendar!)
