Terrace Gardening : A Blessing for Urban Plant Parents
The past few years have, fortunately, directed our inclinations toward the greener art of gardening. More and more people are googling about the propagation process to begin their gardening journey. However, some of us dwelling in urban spaces feel upset due to the bridge between our wish to grow dreamy greenery and the prospect of space required for gardening.
Well, worry not, for gardening has broken all the boundaries (literally!) to reach your rooftops. Yes, that’s true. Now you can hop on the gardening bus straight from your terrace through the implementation of terrace gardening in India, a relatively newer concept of growing those beautiful plants. Let’s pull up our socks to learn everything about this gardening concept before prepping our terraces.
What Is Terrace Gardening?
A terrace garden setup is basically an urban-space setting that uses rooftops for gardening activities. Also known as rooftop gardening, this gardening form is gaining popularity among city dwellers who wish to create a gorgeous garden but lack an open space to do the same. Although one may also grow house plants indoors, the magic of a terrace garden at home indeed hits differently.
Some people view a home terrace garden as an expensive hobby but believe us, it won’t empty your pockets, as there are many ways to go about this process without burdening your finances. Plus, several benefits are attached to this sort of gardening, so you will always be in a better position.
How To Start Terrace Gardening?
Rooftop gardening will allow you to utilize your terrace space to its total capacity. But before that, you need to learn the basics of working on a terrace garden design. Here’s how:
➤ Formulate A Plan
Every terrace space varies; thus, creating a foolproof design for your rooftop greenery becomes essential. Make a rough map of your terrace on a sheet of paper and assign the spots with plant placements. Your plan may include one or more of the following:
A. Containers
Pot propagations give one freedom to choose the type of material for your plant’s upbringing. Also, these planters come in several sizes, so picking one at par with your plant’s growth potential is no big deal. One may also pick grow bags that are super convenient to move, as they come with handles. All the pots are incredibly welcoming to all sorts of plantations.
B. Raised Beds
Creating raised beds on the terrace is one way of making space for a landscape garden. These will give your plants more space than planters to flourish. They look like a piece of garden stranded on the terrace. One point of consideration before opting for them is to waterproof your terrace.
C. Vertical Terrace Gardens
This is an excellent way of utilizing the terrace space, as you can use the idle walls to grow more greenery. Initially, begin with placing wall planters on the plant brackets attached to the walls, and sow some creeping plants and veggies, then train them to climb as you like. Later on, extend your vertical greenery as per your expertise and requirements.
D. Terrace Seating
Greenery always entices us to spend a few moments of calm & leisure in its presence, so opting for garden seating amidst your rooftop greenery is one of the best terrace gardening ideas. You will gradually notice how your gorgeous terrace garden pulls you closer to nature.
➤ Gardening Equipment
Gather your garden tools, my friend; it’s time to sow a mesmerizing garden! This is no news that every garden is built with the assistance of specific equipment, without which we will waste so much time & energy. So, gather your terrace gardening tools, like Khurpi, shovel, watering can, garden hose, pruning scissors, etc., or purchase them from our online gardening store!
➤ Rich Potting Mix
Good soil sets the trajectory of your plant’s health and future well-being. It is crucial to induce the soil with the best organic materials like garden manure, compost, cocopeat & coco chips, perlite, etc. The earth used for propagation must not be too compact or too light; instead, it should be balanced to hold on to optimum moisture while letting go of the rest.
➤ Waterproof The Roof
One of the most critical steps in all types of terrace gardening is enabling the roof to resist water. It becomes even more necessary when you opt for soil patches and raised beds, as you won’t want the seeped water to damage the structures of your rooftop. Here’s how you can make your terrace resistant to moisture:
A. Drainage Layer
These protective layers are mostly made of polyurethane, polystyrene, etc., and are deemed effective in controlling moisture levels while providing strength & structure to the rooftops. These are also fantastic for keeping the temperatures down and directing the rainwater through panels into the drainage system.
B. Filtration Layer
Often known as geotextile, the filtration layers keep the drainage system clog-free. Also, these will stand as a layer between the drainage layers and the terrace garden plants so that any fine particles don’t pass through and damage the drainage boards.
C. Vegetation Layer
After the drainage and filtration layers are appropriately installed, you can pour another layer over them, that of the soil. The depth of the plant soil will vary from plant to plant, but ensure the earth is filled with nutrients.
➤ Wind Barriers
The soil is ready; the roof is waterproofed; the next step is to ensure the winds are not too strong to carry your plants away. If your location is always heavily breezy, installing wind barriers is a must. You don’t require emptying your pockets for this installation, as a simple trellis will work wonders. Ensure the wind barriers are good enough to reduce the breeze’s pressure but don’t block the airflow.
➤ Sunshine Or No Sunshine?
Not all of your plants will love the warm embrace of the sun, so it is essential to gauge their preferences beforehand. Most herbs & veggies look for a full-sun spot, while others might ask for initial warmth in the morning. Also, if a terrace spot is entirely bereft of sunshine, growing vegetables won’t be feasible, so pick other more comfortable plants in low-lit situations.
How To Maintain A Terrace Garden?
We have acquainted ourselves with the basic process of beginning a terrace garden, but what to do after you have completed all of the above steps? Well, fret not; below are some terrace gardening tips to ease your journey further:
➤ Proper Hydration
Watering every plant, whether on a terrace or backyard garden, is necessary for the greenery’s survival. Once you have foolproofed your rooftop from the water, you can hydrate those green buddies whenever the soil is dry. However, it is suggested that you hydrate them early in the morning to make way for better photosynthesis and try to repeat the process every day.
➤ Insect Attacks
You might be working with the best terrace garden kits, but those nasty pests will still find their way into your greenery. The ideal way to keep those insects away from your plantations is by using natural pesticides for plant, like neem oil, etc. You can also opt for companion planting by introducing plants that repel the insects.
➤ Other Natural Attackers
Insects are more common in landscape gardens, but birds and UV rays are among the rooftop's most irritating phenomena. Use a mesh wire or green net to cover your plantations from harmful and dangerous UV rays and cute little birdies. The agro nets will also aid in heat-proofing the rooftop greenery, especially in the northern regions of India.
➤ Mulch It Up
Mulching works wonders for any garden, be it a terrace or backyard. You can use shredded wood, discarded leaves, fruit peels, etc., to create a perfect mulch for your terrace garden. It will assist you in keeping the insects at bay while improving the moisture retention capability of your soil.
What Are The Advantages Of Terrace Gardening?
The importance of terrace gardening goes beyond just making your terrace more aesthetically pleasing. Continue reading to learn the benefits associated with this gardening technique.
1. Insulation Benefits
The greenery on your rooftop will create a personal ecosystem and make the ambiance cooler. These gardens are especially beneficial for people living in tropical regions, as these will reduce the heat transferred to the building from the rooftop, and you will soon notice a reduction in your AC bills.
2. Organic Yield
What’s better than growing foliage-rich greenery? The plants that offer delicious yields in the form of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can grow any number of veggies suitable for your local climate and enjoy the benefits of the organic richness in your meals. These organically grown meals will fill you with gratitude whenever you savor them!
3. Help The Environment
All of us emit a certain amount of carbon footprint that cumulates in the form of greenhouse gases, responsible for climate change. Once we build a terrace garden, we ensure that our share of the carbon footprint gets subsequently reduced due to the enhanced air quality around the surroundings!
4. Closer To Nature
Gardening in itself is an art that keeps the gardeners attached to their roots and closer to the mighty nature. Once your garden flourishes, you will spend even more time in the vicinity of your green buddies.
5. Boosted Health
The act of gardening keeps all plant parents on their toes, working diligently to attend to their plants; it is an active hobby if one could say, so it keeps one physically fit. Also, plants aid our mental horses by reducing stress and making us more productive than before!
Terrace Gardening Ideas For Home:
Here’s a record of all the plants you can grow in your terrace garden:
▶ Flowering plants like Sadabahar, Aparajita, spider lily, etc.
▶ Foliage-rich plants like the snake, jade, aloe vera, etc.
▶ Fruit trees like pomegranate, papaya, lemon, etc.
▶ Terrace vegetable gardening ideas include tomatoes, radishes, bitter gourd, etc.
▶ Herbs like mint, tulsi, ginger, etc.
Conclusion:
You must have gone through several terrace gardening decoration ideas and wondered whether you were fit enough to implement the same! Well, believe us, terrace or rooftop gardening is pretty easy, and all plant parents, from beginners to experts, can indulge in this art to use their rooftops.
Terrace gardening will allow you to grow a magical garden without requiring a backyard. You can grow almost every plant on the roof, in containers, and in raised beds, and you can experiment with climbing plants in the vertical gardening category. This garden will not only fulfill your desire to be a plant parent in the urban jungles called cities, but it will also prove beneficial for your health!
FAQs About Terrace Gardening In India
Ques: Does Terrace Gardening Damage The Roof Structure?
Ans: A terrace garden won’t damage the roofs if you have waterproofed the terrace beforehand.
Ques: Is Terrace Gardening Expensive?
Ans: Many people consider terrace gardening an expensive hobby due to the cost of waterproofing. Still, it is not so, as there are several cost-effective ways of making the roof resistant to water.
Ques: Can I Grow Any Plants On The Terrace?
Most terraces receive full sun at particular spots, while other spots might be partially shaded. Although all plants belonging to your location are apt for terrace farming, it is essential to understand their lighting and climatic preferences.
Ques: How To Keep My Terrace Garden Clean?
Ans: Begin with pruning any dead and decayed growths in sight. You can also plant some beauties on the railings to make way for more shade for the floor planters. Also, if the sun is too intense in your area, then cover the terrace using some fabric.
Ques: How To Decorate My Terrace Garden?
Ans: Choose plants that highlight an ambiance with their loud presence. Build a vertical wall garden on the terrace for more aesthetics. Also, mix and match various planter materials with several plant species. Place some garden furniture amidst the greenery, settling garden statues, fountains, etc., in the vicinity.