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Step 1
Understand the ecosystem of a rainforest. For example, water moves through soil through plants and falls again as rain. This is what allows rainforests to sustain themselves as long as people don't interfere. Your rainforest will need more care at the beginning in order to reach the self-sustaining stage.
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Step 2
Research the urban area in which you live, taking note of the current climate and native plants for your area. A local extension office can supply much of this information.
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Step 3
Examine the soil in your proposed rainforest as some soils lack vital nutrients like nitrogen. Take a soil sample for testing. You can buy a testing kit at a garden center or take it to the extension center.
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Step 4
Add identified nutrients, fertilizer and other substances needed to make healthy soil. Tilling the hard, claylike soil often found in urban areas allows roots to grow.
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Step 5
Plant your canopy, also known as the roof, as it takes tall trees years to reach their full height. While not as tall as true rainforest trees, you should plant trees identified in your research as doing well in your climate. You may need to thin out tree branches periodically to allow sunlight to filter down to the plants in your understory.
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Step 6
Grow a middle layer of shrubs that do well in dappled sunlight and high humidity. Look for plants that bloom during different seasons so that you always have a splash of color in your urban rainforest. Ground covers that adapt well to your region will help conserve moisture for the other plants.
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Step 7
Provide water, nutrients and frequent care in the first year or two of establishing your urban rainforest. It takes special care to allow plants to adapt and establish a good root system.
