So you want your own bit of earth in Detroit? No problem. Even if you live in an apartment building surrounded by cement you can enjoy the fruits of Urban Gardening, while doing your part to beautify the city.

But, you protest, it's already mid-July. Isn't it too late?

No. It's never too late to 'green' your fire-escape or roof-top or window-sill! All you need is a container, some dirt, and a few plants- all available (and cheap) in Eastern Market, right here in Detroit!

To get started just follow these easy steps:

1) This Saturday morning (don't put it off any longer) head to Eastern Market. Before you buy anything, eat breakfast at Russell Street! (It's part of the whole experience and you'll be glad you did.)

2) While you're eating decide what kind of plants you want. Do you want an herb garden on the fire escape? Or flowers on your blisteringly hot roof? Do you have a particular container in mind, that is just calling out for some greenery?

3) Buy your plants! Don't forget to ask if they need sun or shade and buy accordingly. Everything is super cheap this late in the season - so be prepared to get carried away! (Bring cash - preferably a lot of ones to avoid the spectacle of trying to put your change in your pocket as you juggle your garden-to-be.)

4) Go to R. Hirt Jr. and Company and buy a bag of dirt (under two dollars) and a nice large pot (or two) to house your new purchases. (They'll give you shards of broken pottery for free to cover the drainage holes in the bottom). Or, you could stop at the Antiques store and pick up something more unusual to plant your plants in.

5) Go home and fill your pot(s) with soil, plants and put them where you
envisioned before watering generously. Water every day. (The soil in pots evaporates very quickly - especially in the hot, hot city.)

6) Enjoy! You are now an urban gardener!

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