Everyone loves to eat fresh and organic, but finding those vegetables and fruits is no less than searching for straw in hay. No matter if you get in touch with those suppliers, the cost is way higher than the local ones. Best solution? Growing your own. However, the real question is still the same: How can we do this while living in small apartments? The answer is simple–rooftop farming.
Growing plants on a small terrace is not that complicated. With a few things in mind, you can also pick and bite a fresh ripened tomato grown on your own small terrace. In this guide, we will walk you through the five easy steps for growing plants on a small terrace. So, get ready to convert your boring grey walls to a green farm.
Discover the 5 Tips for Growing Plants on a Small Terrace
1. Prepare the Layout
The first step in creating a rooftop garden is to plan the whole layout. You can either sketch it on paper or use a digital tool. You need to understand the rooftop and decide the place for the plants accordingly. Since some require more sunlight than others, it is better to create a separate design for both. There are two ways to start the layout. You can either spread the whole soil on your tiles or create various separate pots and then fill them with soil. The latter one is mostly not recommended because there is a chance of leakage from the tiles, which your neighbors won’t like.
2. Collect the Required Equipment
There are various tools that you will require in your journey to create a rooftop farm. No matter if it is just a few tins of herbs or a full-fledged organic farm, these tools are must-haves. These tools won’t only make your work easy but will also save your wallet from draining due to the overwhelming trip to the gardening store. You need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from dust and allergy. A trowel, hose pipe, or watering can, shovel, gardening rake, and pruning scissors. While collecting all these, don’t forget the pots themselves.
3. Start Water-proofing Your Floor
Before starting to grow your vegetables and fruits, waterproofing your floor is essential. Since rooftop gardens require a lot of water, which will affect your tiles, and leaking will start. Therefore, it is better to do water-proofing in advance. However, if you decide not to create a complete farm and just a few pots, it is better to check the drain outlet for better drainage.
4. Prepare the Soil
To create flourished and healthy plants, it is crucial to prepare your soil wisely. For better growth of seeds, you need adequately nourished and conditioned soil. So, to do so, mix the soil with organic compost and fill it inside your pots. Remember that the ideal soil should not be too light or heavy; otherwise, the results will not be significant. The soil should strike the right balance; it should not be too smooth but crumply as it will retain more moisture for the plants.
5. Get the Seeds and Additional Requirements
Now, after doing all these steps, it is time to buy your seeds and start taking care of them. If your terrace has more sunlight, go for seeds of herbs, squashes, okra, pepper, brinjal, tomatoes, gourds, and cucumbers. If your space has partial sunlight or shade, you can opt for onions, beans, broccoli, lettuce, peas, cauliflower, spinach, kale, radish, and a lot more. For areas with no direct sunlight, it is better to grow a few typical plants, as vegetables need a bit of sunlight to grow.
The Bottom Line
Growing plants on a small terrace is a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy fresh produce and greenery, even in limited spaces. With the right approach, you can transform your terrace into a thriving mini garden. Start by planning the layout, ensuring that each plant gets the required sunlight and space. Invest in essential gardening tools and waterproof your floor to prevent leakage issues. Preparing nutrient-rich soil is crucial for healthy plant growth, so mix compost for better fertility. Finally, choose the right seeds based on your terrace’s sunlight conditions, opting for sun-loving vegetables or shade-tolerant greens accordingly. With these steps, your small terrace can become a lush, productive oasis. Happy gardening!
