How to Make a Roof Garden
Gardeners who live in urban areas often have to get creative when it comes to growing plants. Space is often limited, so gardeners need to turn to unconventional locations for their gardens. One of the best places to grow your city garden is on the roof of your building.
Things You Will Need:
- Plastic sheeting
- Containers, such as bins, flower pots or raised flower beds
- Mulch
- Soil
- Seeds or seedlings
- Get permission to plant a roof garden. You should speak to the building manager about your plans and get permission to use the roof for your garden before you begin your design.
- Choose the best rooftop location for your garden. The roof should be flat and easily accessible by stairs or an elevator. The rooftop should receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours each day.
- Cover the surface of the roof with a large plastic sheet or tarp to protect the surface.
- Gather your flowering containers and place them on the plastic sheeting. There are many options when it comes to containers. You can choose to construct raised flower beds out of lumber, or you can use store-bought ceramic or plastic flower pots. Other options include large rubber or plastic storage containers or plastic swimming pools.
- Design your garden. Arrange your containers in a way that is both practical and visually appealing. Place tall containers and plants toward the back of the area so as not to block light from smaller plants. Place hearty plants along the perimeter of your garden to block some of the wind from the more fragile plants.
- Fill all of the containers with high-quality gardening soil. If you are not sure what type of soil to use, visit your local garden supply center and speak to an experienced gardener.
- Plant your seeds or seedlings just as you would if you were planting them in the ground. Dig a hole that is large enough for the seed or seedling. Gently place the plant into the hole. Cover the area with soil and pat it gently using your hands.
- Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. Roof gardens are exposed to the sun and tend to dry out very quickly. Adding two or three inches of mulch on top of the soil will help the soil to retain moisture.
- Water your roof garden daily. It is not necessary to water your garden on rainy days.