Rising food prices in Nigerian cities have prompted more residents to adopt home gardening as a way to access fresh produce. In Lagos, where 98.5 per cent of residents live in rented apartments according to BuyLetLive, limited space has led to innovative gardening methods using containers, balconies, and vertical setups. Uduak Bassey, a home gardening practitioner, emphasized that selecting high-quality seeds is vital for success. "Choosing the right plants and high-quality seeds is crucial for a thriving garden, as it ensures predictable results and allows you to save seeds for future use," she said, adding that such choices save time and money. She warned against using seeds from market-bought produce, citing inconsistent yields.
Bassey highlighted that environmental suitability should guide plant selection, noting that crops like strawberries may not thrive in Lagos due to unsuitable conditions. Soil quality is equally important; she advised using nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with appropriate pH levels and enhancing it with compost. Sunlight exposure of six to eight hours daily is necessary for most vegetables and flowering plants. Consistent watering without waterlogging is essential, with adjustments based on weather and plant type. Regular monitoring for pests is recommended, with Bassey advocating for integrated pest management using natural predators and bio-based treatments. Mulching with organic materials like leaves or straw helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Uduak Bassey's focus on seed quality cuts to the heart of a deeper issue: Nigerians are being forced to become amateur agronomists not by choice, but by the failure of the food system to deliver affordable, reliable produce. Her advice, while practical, underscores how households now bear the burden of stabilising their food supply through backyard interventions rather than national policy.
The fact that 98.5 per cent of Lagosians rent explains why vertical and container gardening is gaining traction—it's not a lifestyle trend but an adaptation to urban exclusion. With no access to land and soaring food costs, residents are turning balconies into mini-farms out of necessity. Bassey's warnings about unsuitable crops like strawberries in Lagos reflect a broader reality: climate mismatch is no longer just an agricultural concern but a daily household calculation.
For low-income families, especially in high-density areas, the shift to home gardening could mean reduced food expenses and better nutrition, but only if they have access to quality inputs and reliable information. Those without balconies or daylight access are left out, deepening urban inequality.
This trend fits a growing pattern: as public systems falter, private improvisation becomes survival. From generators to boreholes to now home farms, Nigerians are patching gaps the state no longer fills.
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