Kitchen gardening is beneficial both in terms of healthy environment and adding beauty to your homes. But planting plants on the roof of houses is more beneficial in this regard. Some essential precautions and complete guidance for rooftop gardening.
1. Review the roof structure and weight capacity:
The weight of soil, water, and pots for plants can put additional load on the roof, so it is important to review the strength of the roof. If possible, consult an engineer.
2. Waterproofing:
Before planting plants, it is important to waterproof the roof so that water does not damage the roof.
Lay a waterproof sheet or plastic liner.
Use waterproofing paint or chemicals.
3. Selection of soil and pots:
Use light and fertile soil on the roof such as cocopeat, vermiculite, or soil mixed with perlite.
Pots: Use light plastic or fiber pots to reduce weight.
Sloped pots help in water drainage.
4. Plant Selection
Choose plants for planting on the roof that can tolerate more sun and survive on less water:
Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, coriander, spinach, fenugreek, lettuce
Herbs: basil, mint, aloe vera
Flowers: sunflower, rose, ball flower
Small trees: lemon, vines such as Jamaica or mini plant
5. Proper watering system:
Install a drip irrigation or spray system so that water is not wasted.
Water in the morning or evening so that the water remains for a long time.
Do not water excessively so that the roots do not get damaged.
6. Fertilizer and maintenance:
Use organic fertilizers such as cow dung manure, compost made from kitchen waste.
Maintain soil fertility with NPK and other essential elements.
Periodically loosen the soil and prune the plant thorns.
7. Provide shade:
Install a shade or net to protect from excessive sun in summer so that the plants do not get scorched.
8. Take care of cleanliness:
Keep the roof clean so that water does not accumulate and mosquitoes do not breed. Place trays for water under the pots so that the roof does not get damaged.
9. Air circulation:
Proper air circulation is essential for plants, so keep the plants at some distance so that air can pass from all sides.
10. Light and sunshine:
There is an adequate amount of light on the roof, but if the sun is too much, provide shade to the plants with vines or umbrellas.
Conclusion:
While gardening on the roof of houses, roof protection, selection of appropriate plants, effective use of water and regular maintenance are very important. In this way, your roof garden will not only add beauty but will also be environmentally friendly.
