Terrace farming, a brilliant solution to city living, brings the joy of gardening to your rooftop. With space being a luxury in cities, turning your terrace into a green haven is not just rewarding but also environmentally friendly. In India, where fresh organic produce is highly valued, terrace farming is a perfect way to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Now a question must be coming into your mind How to do farming on terrace? Let’s explore how to transform your terrace into a flourishing garden, step by step.
How To Do Farming On Terrace Step By Step
1. Assessing Your Terrace:
- Strength Check: Consult a civil engineer if necessary to confirm if your terrace can handle the weight of soil, pots, and water.
- Waterproofing: Ensure your terrace is waterproofed to avoid any leakage into your home When you start farming on the terrace.
- Drainage System: A good drainage system is crucial to prevent waterlogging.
Read More: Follow These Steps to Create a Successful Terrace Garden!
2. Planning Your Space for Terrace Farming:
- Layout Design: Sketch a layout considering sunlight and shade areas on your terrace.
- Utilize Vertical Space: Use trellises or hanging pots for climbers or small plants.
- Walking Space: Leave enough room for walking and tending to plants on terrace gardening.
Read More: A Guide to Planning and Designing a Beautiful Home Garden!
3. Choosing the Right Soil and Fertilizers for Terrace Farming:
- Soil Composition: A mix of red soil, compost, and coco peat (in a 2:1:1 ratio) works well for terrace farming.
- Organic Fertilizers: Cow dung, vermicompost, and organic compost are great for nutrient-rich soil.
- Soil pH: Check the soil’s pH level; most vegetables prefer a pH of 6 to 7.5.
4. Selecting Suitable Plants for Terrace Farming:
- Climate-Appropriate Vegetables: In India, okra, brinjal, tomato, and cucumbers are good choices.
- Herbs and Medicinal Plants: Include easy-to-grow herbs like mint, coriander, and tulsi.
- Seasonal Planting: Plant according to the seasons – leafy greens in cooler months and gourds in warmer months.
Read More: Top Indoor Plants for Happy Homes in India
5. Watering Wisely:
- Consistent Schedule: Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Water Conservation: Collect rainwater or reuse kitchen water for irrigation in your terrace farm.
- Monitoring Moisture: Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged after planting vegetables on the terrace.
6. Sunlight Matters:
- Direct Sunlight: In a terrace garden, most vegetables need 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.
- Shade-Loving Plants: For less sunny areas, grow spinach or lettuce.
Read More: What Would Happen If A Plant Get Too Much Sunlight?
7. Regular Maintenance:
- Pest Control: Use neem oil or soap water as natural pest repellents.
- Pruning: Regularly prune dead leaves and overgrown branches.
- Monitoring Health: Check for signs of disease or nutrient deficiency.
8. Harvesting Your Produce:
- Right Time to Harvest: Learn when each vegetable is ripe for picking.
- Gentle Harvesting: Use scissors or handpick gently to avoid plant damage.
- Continuous Harvest: Regularly picking vegetables encourages more growth.
Read More: How to Grow Ashwagandha Plant from Seed in Pot: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
Terrace farming is a fulfilling activity that brings nature to your doorstep. It’s a sustainable way to grow fresh produce and a step towards a greener future. With these simple steps on How to do farming on terrace, even a beginner can start their terrace garden. Happy gardening!
