What tools and techniques does Natasha Nicholes recommend for successful urban gardening?

Hi there! I’m Natasha Nicholes. Urban gardening is all about using what you have and keeping it simple and sustainable.

From what I share on my site and through We Sow We Grow, I lean into:

• Simple, small beds (even a single 3'x6' bed) instead of lots of complex setups
• Repurposed materials like old tires or DIY wooden beds
• Free or low-cost compost from local waste centers
• Hands-on composting with kitchen scraps, cardboard, and lawn clippings to make compost tea
• Choosing easy, kid‑friendly plants and fun varieties (like rainbow chard and purple beans)

I also focus a lot on using every step as a teaching moment—experimenting with sun vs. shade, compost vs. no compost, and seeds vs. transplants.

Are you working with a balcony, backyard, or something in between?