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Today we will look into Ten commonly asked Questions on Rooftop or Terrace Gardening Ideas and problems like – Is terrace gardening bad for the building? Can I grow fruit trees on terrace? What Type of Soil to use for terrace farming? How to build terrace garden and how much does it cost? And many other interesting questions.
What is Terrace Gardening or Rooftop Gardening?
In simple words, terrace gardening or rooftop gardening means growing plants on your terrace or rooftop. If you live in a city without access to land for growing plants, a roof or terrace garden is an excellent option.
Is Terrace Gardening Bad for the Building?
What are the drawbacks of gardening on the terrace?
The answer depends on two important factors:
- Weight of Your Terrace Garden: This includes the total weight of containers, potting soil, plants, and all associated loads.
- Construction Quality of Your Building: Consider the quality of concrete columns, wall thickness, slab thickness, room span, and so on.
Generally, you might need to be cautious if your building is old or if you’re unsure about its structural integrity. However, if planned carefully, there should not be significant issues with the weight of a terrace garden, especially if you use containers and place them along the terrace walls.
How Do I Start Terrace Gardening in a Small Limited Space?
The simplest way is to start with some plants or vegetables in containers. If you want to expand, plan carefully, especially if space is limited. Consider using two-step or three-step pot stands to arrange your plants in a tiered fashion to save space. Common sense and creative planning will help in optimizing the available space.
What Type of Plants Can I Choose for Terrace Gardening?
You can grow any type of plant in your terrace garden, including ornamental plants, vegetables, and even fruit trees in large containers.
How Can I Plant Fruit Trees (Like Mango or Banana Trees) on a Terrace Garden?
Yes, you can grow fruit trees on a terrace garden, but you will need large containers—at least 24 inches in diameter and 24 inches in height. To reduce the load on your building, consider using fabric bags of 24 or 30 inches in diameter. Choose a lightweight potting mix, and place these heavy containers smartly, such as next to or on top of a column or along the building’s main walls.
Should I Waterproof the Terrace Before Starting a Terrace Garden?
Not necessarily, unless you plan to build a raised bed garden. If you are using containers, ensure that the water draining out of the pots flows easily off the terrace and does not pool or stagnate.
What Type of Soil Should I Use for Terrace Gardening?
To reduce weight, use a lightweight potting mix. A good formula is:
- 40% cocopeat or peat moss
- 20% perlite or vermiculite
- 20% garden soil
- 20% compost
What Are Practical Ways to Attract Birds to Your Terrace or Garden?
This is a broad topic. For a simple start, you can place water for birds, bird feeders, or a birdhouse, and offer them seeds. We will discuss this in detail in a future episode.
Can We Install a Drip Irrigation System on a Terrace Garden?
Yes, a drip irrigation system is one of the best options for watering a terrace garden, especially if the plants are in hot sun without shade. Since the watering hose pressure is often low on a terrace, you might need a pump to achieve proper pressure. Drip irrigation systems are not difficult to install and are relatively inexpensive. Many options are available online, including sets for 100, 300, or 500 pots.
How Do I Build My Terrace Garden Permanently with a Green Shadehouse and How Much Does It Cost?
For a detailed guide on building a permanent terrace garden with a green shadehouse, check out my article titled “The Making of My Shadehouse Terrace Garden.”
Watch Video below on How to Make Your Shadehouse Terrace garden.
