Chili Peppers

In NYC the idea of growing your own chili peppers might seem as far-fetched as finding a decent parking spot. Well you are wrong and it is absolutely possible. We're talking about turning your fire escape into a fiery fiesta of flavor. If you're ready to take on the challenge, then get ready because this grow guide will get you started.

Banana Peppers

You might think I’m bananas, but I’m here to tell you that you too can become the loving parent of a banana pepper patch, in NYC. Sure, finding the perfect spot to grow them might require some creativity - a fire escape or indoors with a grow light. Even the most urban of urbanites can cultivate their very own banana peppers.

Sweet Peppers

Let's talk about how to grow sweet peppers in an urban environment like the one and only New York City! Homegrown sweet peppers have a vibrant flavor that is often superior to store-bought varieties. If you thought growing anything other than weeds and pigeons was impossible in the Big Apple, think again!

Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers in the city? It's not as crazy as it sounds as long as you have some sort of outdoor space. I'm here to guide you through the cultivation, because nothing is better than fresh, home grown cucumbers. You'll need potting mix, compost and alot of water as cucumbers are thirsty, so be prepared to water them regularly. The future of urban agriculture starts now.

Eggplant

Eggplants

Today we're going to tackle the ultimate urban gardening challenge - growing eggplants in the city. With these handy tips, you’ll be amongst the most urbanite of gardeners growing eggplants on your teeny-tiny balcony. You'll need to find the perfect spot - a fire escape or indoors with an added grow light, so your plant gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Up for the challenge?

Tomatoes

It's time to get your hands dirty and grow some juicy tomatoes. Sure, you may not have acres of farmland or even more than 500 sq ft, but with a little creativity and a green thumb, you can turn your tiny balcony or fire escape into a tomato oasis. Get ready to kiss those store-bought tomatoes goodbye and say hello to homegrown, vine-ripened perfection.

Ground Cherries

Imagine yourself, sitting on your balcony, gazing out over the NYC skyline, and plucking a sun-ripened ground cherry straight from the plant. No more settling for the meager selection at the Union Square farmers market. Trust me, once you taste the sweet, almost-tropical flavor of a homegrown ground cherry, you'll be wondering why you didn't start this urban farming adventure sooner.

Spaghetti Squash

You’re here because you want to try something crazy - growing spaghetti squash on your rooftop in NYC - and hey, it’s no easy feat. But with a little creativity and an industrial-sized bag of potting soil, you'll be slurping up homegrown "pasta" in a few months. Get ready to learn how to grow this fun veggie in even the most cramped of outdoor living spaces.

Yellow Squash

Trying to grow yellow squash in New York City? Fuhgeddaboudit. Not seriously, growing yellow squash in the city is not only possible, it can be downright delightful. I’m about to show you how to grow the most vibrant, juicy yellow squash this side of Central Park. Who needs a sprawling country estate when you've got a fire escape and a green thumb?

Zucchini

It’s time to grow zucchini. Whether you've got a fire escape, a rooftop, or a small balcony, there's always room for a zucchini plant. These green giants are practically made for small spaces - they'll grow just about anywhere as long as they have enough soil and a big enough pot.

Carrots

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of plucking a carrot straight from the soil, no matter how tiny your backyard (or rooftop) may be. Sure you can easily buy them at the store, but did you know there are over 40 varieties of carrots? Try finding all those at the store. Growing them at home gives you the opportunity to try different types and share them with your friends.

Radishes

Radishes are the perfect urban crop - they're quick-growing and space-efficient. So, grab your watering can, clear off that windowsill, and get ready to prove that you don't need acres of land to be a farmer. I'm here to guide you through your new favorite hobby.

Beets

The noble beet - that humble root vegetable that’s really good for you and fun to grow. Beets are cool weather crops perfect for NYC in the spring and fall, giving you a reason to garden in your sweater. And beets come in several different colors - red, golden, candy stripe, and white - giving you a rainbow of varieties to choose from that can’t be found at the store.

Turnips

Don’t skip growing turnips because they act as a dual harvest, where you can eat both the root and the greens. Who would have thought that the turnip could be quick growing and space-efficient. Now that’s a perfect combination for a new NYC gardener. So, grab your potting soil and get ready to grow the perfect turnip that tastes better than any you’ve had at the store.

Parsnips

You want to grow parsnips in New York City to reduce your food miles and package waste? Great idea! Trying to cultivate root veggies is fun. You gotta try it once. So, grab your widest container and get ready to channel your inner green thumb, because we're about to dive into parsnip cultivation. Let's get growing.

Beans

Let's grow some beans! “But how can I possibly cultivate beans in NYC?" Simple: think small, think vertical, and think outside the box. Beans climb faster than rent prices in Manhattan, so for those of us who are impatient, we’re gonna love harvesting beans. They also add nitrogen to your soil. Your soil will be so rich, it'll be buying property in the Hamptons.

Peas

Even in New York City, you can grow peas right in your own backyard (or rooftop, or fire escape, or wherever you can find a spare inch of soil). Peas love NYC’s cooler weather so growing peas will give you something to do when your seasonal affective disorder starts to kick in. With a little bit of know-how and this grow guide, you can turn your little outdoor space into a pea-producing powerhouse.

Onion

Onions

Onions are relatively easy to grow, making them fun for beginners and New Yorkers (are you both?). You'll need an outdoor spot that gets at least six hours of sun and a container at least 12 inches deep. Might I suggest a trip to your local second hand store? Get creative, people! Who knew loving the planet could be this much fun?

Leeks

Did you know leeks are filled with vitamins A, C, K and even folate? Now, I know what you're thinking - "Leeks? Isn't that just a fancy onion?" Well, yes, they're the sophisticated, cultured cousin of the onion, with a flavor that's both delicate and bold. And lucky for you, they're insanely easy to grow, even if your idea of gardening is keeping a succulent alive.

Scallions

Are you looking for a super easy onion to grow that anyone can do it? Scallions are your saving grace. Even if you have no outdoor space, not even a fire escape, you can grow scallions and they are abundant. This is something you’ll gladly share with your roommate(s). Time to get your hands dirty - and not just from the subway poles!

Garlic

Growing garlic in the city is a fun activity for the whole family, or roommates. It’s planted in the fall, grows all winter (you barely have to do anything) and is harvested in the summer. Talk about delayed gratification. I know, I know, your outdoor space is tiny. You can squeeze in a few seed garlic and you’ll have bulbs you can share with your friends. I’m here to show you how.

Shallots

Shallots! These little flavor bombs are the perfect addition to your culinary arsenal. And lucky for you shallots will thrive in even the most cramped of quarters, while cutting down on packaging waste and food miles. It's time to ditch those store-bought shallots (or at least buy a few less) and get your hands dirty with some homegrown shallots.

Potatoes

Are you ready to get your hands dirty and grow some potatoes in the city? I'm here to tell you that it's not only possible, but it's a lot of fun! There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes - show me a store that sells them all. All you need is a few reusable grocery bags and you’ll have potatoes for the entire winter. I'm here to guide you through this delightfully absurd endeavor.

Fennel

You’re here because you want to grow your own fennel. Well, fennel practically grows itself. Just toss those seeds in some soil, give 'em a water every week or so, and watch as those feathery fronds grow. You get two for the price of one with fennel, because both the bulb and the fronds are edible. And you’ll be attracting pollinators which supports biodiversity. We all benefit from bees and butterflies in our lives.

Vegetables

Chili Peppers

Chili Peppers

Banana Peppers

Banana Peppers

Sweet Peppers

Sweet Peppers

Cucumbers

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Eggplants

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

Ground Cherries

Ground Cherries

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

Yellow Squash

Yellow Squash

Zucchini

Zucchini

Carrots

Carrots

Radishes

Radishes

Beets

Beets

Turnips

Turnips

Parsnips

Parsnips

Beans

Beans

Peas

Peas

Onion

Onions

Leeks

Leeks

Scallions

Scallions

Garlic

Garlic

Shallots

Shallots

Potatoes

Potatoes

Fennel

Fennel