Urban Garden Ideas: Raised Beds, Rain Gardens, and Backyard Chickens

Urban gardening thrives even on small city lots. Raised beds work on decks or pavement. This design features two deep planter boxes for tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, or blueberries, connected by a decorative arbor for vining crops. Manage runoff with a rain garden.

Raised Bed Urban Garden

Side holes add space for strawberries, thyme, spring greens. A hinged bench provides seating and tool storage. Site in full sun (6+ hours) with good airflow. Fill with quality potting mix—not garden soil—to avoid weeds and diseases.

Urban Chickens

Backyard chickens are a hot trend—easier than you think! A 3–4 hen coop yields ~2 eggs/day and provides manure for compost. Check local ordinances first.

Chicken Coop Design

Chicken-wire base keeps predators out. Hinged nesting box eases egg collection. Change bedding regularly to maintain laying.