If you are passionate about gardening but live in cities and have limited outdoor space, then creating a terrace or rooftop garden is the best way to connect with nature and enjoy organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits. A terrace garden is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to elevate their lifestyle. This easy-to-follow guide on how to make a roof terrace garden at home, helps you choose the right plants to grow and the importance of terrace gardening in india and tips/care for them, so you can enjoy a thriving terrace garden that’s all your own.
What Is a Terrace Garden?
A terrace garden is like gardening in the sky! Mainly on your terrace, balcony, or any elevated outdoor space. This is the best way to convert unused areas into rich gardens.
Imagine a serene place where you can grow vegetables, plants, flowers, and even fruits despite living in the city or having limited land space. Rooftop gardens also allow us to make the most of vertical space by growing plants vertically. It creates a beautiful, green oasis outside your home, bringing nature closer to you.
These terrace gardens can range from simple setups with a few potted plants to more elaborate designs featuring different plant varieties, seating areas, and pathways. It is a place where you can relax, connect with nature and enjoy the peace of a small garden high above the urban hustle and bustle.
Top Plants To Grow In Terrace Gardens
Plant Type |
Best Plants for Terrace Gardens |
Where To Buy Seeds |
Herbs |
Basil, Mint, Curry Leaves, Watercress |
|
Fruits |
Guava, Strawberry, Avocado, Sapota, Mango, Banana, Papaya, Citrus, Cherry |
|
Common Vegetables |
Tomato, Brinjal, Chili, Capsicum, Pea, Beans,
Gourds, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Spinach, Coriander, Potato, Radish, Beetroot, Turmeric, Ginger, Carrot, etc. |
|
Non-Food Plants |
Medicinal Plants, Decorative Plants, etc. |
N/A |
Flowering Plants |
Marigold, Petunia, Zinnia, Calendula, Sweet Alyssum, Portulaca, Cosmos, Pansy, etc. |
(Read More: Optimal Grow Bag Sizes for Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits…)
How To Make A Terrace Garden?
Rooftop gardening is an exciting and rewarding way to turn your outdoor space into a lush green paradise. Whether you have a small or big terrace, you can create a beautiful garden that brings nature closer to your home. Here is a simple step-by-step to make your terrace garden at home:
1. Assess Your Location:
Take a close look at your roof to determine the size and amount of sunlight available. Consider factors such as wind patterns and shading from nearby structures. This will help you choose the right plants and plan their placement.
2. Set the Budget:
Decide how much investment you are ready to make your terrace garden. This will help you prioritize expenses and make informed choices about materials, plants, and tools.
3. Choose the Right Container:
Choose containers that suit your space and aesthetic preferences. HDPE grow bags are a great option for rooftop gardening as they are lightweight, portable, and long-lasting. Choose containers that have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. You have the option of choosing from a variety of sizes and materials, from terracotta to plastic, and even self-watering containers.
(Read More: Gardening in Grow Bags: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Grow Bags for Successful Planting..)
4. Choose plants wisely:
Consider the climate of your area before selecting plants to grow in your terrace gardens. Start by planting easy-to-grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs before moving on to more challenging plants.
5. Plan Layout and Placement:
Decide where to grow your plants based on their sunlight requirements and growth habits. When arranging plants, it is best to put tall plants in the back and short plants in the front. Be sure to give each plant enough room to grow comfortably.
6. Prepare the Soil:
Use a high-quality ready-to-use potting soil mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. You can also make your own potting mix by mixing normal soil, compost, sand, and cocopeat. Fill grow bags or pots with the soil mix, leaving some space for watering.
(Read More: Complete Guide to Choose Perfect Organic Soil for Your Garden!..)
7. Plantation:
Sow the seeds in prepared containers at the right depth or place the plants in pots by gently removing them from their nursery pots. Water them soon after planting and keep the soil moist.
8. Watering Routine:
Maintain a consistent watering schedule. Most plants prefer to be watered in the morning. Check soil moisture levels regularly and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
(Read More: How To Germinate Seeds Successfully…)
9. Maintenance:
Prune regularly, including cutting off leaves and wilted flowers, to encourage new growth. Fertilize your plants every few weeks during the growing season with an organic fertilizer like vermicompost, cow manure, bio NPK, bone meal, etc. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and act quickly if necessary.
10. Enjoy and Grow:
Your terrace garden will grow with time. See how your plants respond to their environment and make adjustments as necessary. Take care of your rooftop garden and enjoy the beauty and peace it brings to your home.
Importance of Having a Terrace Garden?
Having a rooftop terrace garden in India is indeed a wonderful addition to any home. Here are some of the main reasons why having a terrace garden is a great idea:
- Nature at Your Doorstep: The terrace garden gives us a direct connection with nature and brings the pleasant presence of plants and greenery into our home. It creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere which helps us to relax after a long day.
- Homegrown Delights: With a rooftop garden, you can grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and even fruit. This not only saves money but also gives us the satisfaction of harvesting and enjoying the produce you have grown.
- Air Purification: A terrace garden helps in improving the air quality around us by absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen thus making the air we breathe cleaner and healthier.
- Cool Comfort: The roof garden acts as a natural shield against the heat of the sun. The green cover helps keep our living spaces cooler during hot weather, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.
- Personal Space: Having a terrace garden allows us to have personal relaxation. It is a place where you can relax, read a book, or just enjoy nature without leaving your home.
- Stress reduction: Spending time in the rooftop garden is known to reduce stress and anxiety. Your terrace garden provides a peaceful place where you can relax and find peace in the midst of urban life.
- Positive Aesthetics: A beautiful terrace garden can really enhance the aesthetics of our home. It adds natural vibes, increases property value, and makes a positive impression on visitors.
(Read more: 365 Days of Freshness: Growing Vegetables All Year Round...)
Having a terrace garden is a great way to bring some of the beauty of nature closer to home, especially if you live in a city or have limited outdoor space. Hope you liked the post on how to make terrace garden, terrace garden tips, and the importance of terrace gardening. Share this article with your family and friends.