👨‍🌾 Expert Tips for Sustainable Urban Gardening

Chris Kosin of GaiaScape Landscaping, at his home in Garfield.

I recently interviewed Chris Kosin, the owner of GaiaScape, who specializes in native and edible garden landscaping. Chris educates homeowners and businesses on sustainable gardening and growing food and offers consultations, design, and installation services. Now living in Garfield, he is excited to engage with our local gardening community. I asked Chris for tips on starting sustainable gardening and how urban gardeners can thrive in limited spaces. Here are his key suggestions:

• Think about your goals for your space—do you want lower maintenance, more flowers, more food, more birds, or beneficial insects? Narrowing your focus is important. Trying to grow too much in small spaces or containers is common, especially with vegetables and annuals, which only last one season and often don't thrive when crowded. Perennials and native plants are usually more forgiving; they grow well together and can adapt to their space over time.
  

• Think like a Plant. If your garden is in full shade, you likely can't grow summer vegetables, sun-loving perennials, or fruit trees. Consider what plants can survive in a very exposed urban area, like a narrow strip along a sidewalk. Look at similar spaces for inspiration—like train tracks, highways, or uncared-for wild areas that face many stresses. Find plant species that naturally grow well in these tough conditions.
  

• Smaller plants cost less. Using smaller plants or plugs instead of larger quart or gallon-sized pots can be beneficial. Smaller plants allow you to cover more space and utilize more plant material. In addition, the mortality rate is often lower with smaller plants. They typically require less care and water during the planting process. For new gardeners, opting for smaller plants can be more advantageous than spending a lot on a large plant that may perish due to inexperience.
  

• Containers maximize small spaces. If your backyard is concrete, your options for growing may be limited to container gardening. In such cases, using large containers filled with quality soil is essential. The smaller the container, the fewer resources your plants will have to thrive, which means you'll need to water them more frequently, and the overall health of the plants may suffer. Get creative with your container choices and don't overlook a five-gallon bucket; you can successfully grow nearly any vegetable in one. 

  • Here are some tips for successful container gardening: 

    • Don't skimp on the soil—this is crucial for plant health. 

    • Remember, plants in pots will require more fertilization. Fish emulsion can be an excellent slow-release fertilizer option. 

    • Make sure plants have adequate water, especially during hot months.
      

• If you’re new to gardening, start simple. To build your confidence, start with easy plants. Gradually introduce more challenging varieties each year rather than overwhelming yourself at once.
  

• Learn from others. Join a gardening organization like the Western PA Audubon Society or Pittsburgh’s local Wild Ones chapter, or connect with fellow gardeners in your community. Don't hesitate to stop and ask questions if you see someone who seems knowledgeable about gardening. 

Look for Chris in the neighborhood or bump into him at one of the upcoming pop-up plant sales with Rust Belt Natives. The next sale will occur on June 14th from 10 AM to 1 PM and on July 12, August 9, September 13, and October 11, all at the corner of N. Pacific and Gem Way. Happy gardening!

Note from the author: This article is also featured in the June 2025 Bulletin, for the Gardening Advice and Earthly Delights column