And what should the tools be made of optimally? For best, most lasting quality, etc.? Thanks!!!

I'd start off simple and inexpensive and go from there.

The most eco friendly pot I can think of would be a clay pot. They take more maintenance over time, but they will crush into dirt if you get rid of them unlike plastic.

For tools, you don't really need anything special. You will not be doing any heavy digging so smaller tools will be better. A trowel to dig holes and move dirt, a hand rake to shift and smooth dirt, maybe a weeder to poke in the dirt, shears (more scissor like than pruner like) to cut with. Potting soil and fertilizer. You should be set with that. Use potting soil to reduce the weight of your pot. Water and fertilize on a schedule and adjust as needed by the plant. Too much or too little is a bad thing, but there is a wide range that is good depending on the plant.

As for plants, I think you would be better off talking to other city gardeners. Questions like how much light, will the plant be moved indoors and outdoors and on what schedule, size of plant, amount of care, animal toxicity, etc. are all things you should consider.

I prefer metal tools but all of my gardening is in heavy clay. You won't need heavy duty tools and it could be a disadvantage for finer work.

Good luck.

What are you going to plant??? flowers, tomato's, ect. goggle planting in potted containers or potted plants will get you started. with potted plants small hand tools like hand culivator and digger to get the plant in the soil (not dirt, but potting soil or peet moss) then maybe some type of clippers to keep you plant??? trimmed in needed.

You can grow alot in a small area. again google apartment gardens see what the bring ups for starters.

If you have a sunny window, or a balcony, I suggest that you might start growing cherry tomatos. This plant is compact, healthy, productive, and it does not need to be staked or supported with a trellis. You will likely do best with a lightweight potting soil that contains peat moss or some other source of fiber. You might have to move the plant around to take advantage of available sunlight, so keeping it light in weight is helpful. A small pair of handheld pruning clippers would be useful to keep the cherry tomato from getting too big.