People have started becoming more aware of the importance of consuming organic vegetables that do not have any insecticides or pesticides. Although one option is to find organic vegetables in the market, these are generally quite expensive and not easily available. In this case, installing a small garden at home that gives one seasonal produce of fresh fruits and vegetables is a great idea.
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Kitchen gardens are generally very small and can accommodate only herbs and small shrubs. However, installing a rooftop garden is a great choice for people who want to do exaggerated gardening and would want to add different types of plants that give them fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are planning to install a rooftop garden at your home, then here is what you need to know.
Also Read: Start Your Own Organic Kitchen Garden
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* Types Of Plants
While installing a rooftop garden, it is very important to first select what plants you would like to add. It is important to consider that the roof is generally quite huge, and certain places will receive more sunlight than others. Sometimes it can become extremely hot on the rooftop because of its elevated level. Hence one can choose the three most important types of plants that can easily thrive on rooftops. In the first case, drought-tolerant plants can grow very well even in sunlight. These plants grow very well if given the right amount of water. Also one doesn't even have to install a drip system for these plants.
The second type of plant that can be installed at a shade-tolerant plant. One can completely cover a rooftop and then plant them. The third type of plants that can be installed in a rooftop garden are wind-tolerant plant. This is because the rooftop is more susceptible to experiencing strong winds that can generally take away lighter plants. Planting the wind-tolerant plants is going to be a lot easier as they have a better grip.
* Containers
After choosing the plant, the next important step is to choose the kind of container that you would put the plants in. One can easily customise their plant containers by making them at home by using discarded containers. These can be painted with some fabric colours to give an interesting look. At the same time, one can also buy the containers from the market. Before buying these containers, one should always make sure that the containers are cohesive for the type of plants that they have chosen. Also, choose containers that are not too heavy as it would be very difficult to carry them to the rooftop.
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* Wind Blocking
Even if you have chosen to install wind-friendly plants, it's always better to apply as many wind-blocking agents as you can to prevent excessive wind. The plants that are planted on the rooftop are generally very light. It's quite easy for the wind to carry them away. One can install some blockages with the help of cardboard or other such materials that can act as a hindrance between the plant and the winds. One can also anchor the plants in the soil so that there is a better grip.
* Preparing Soil
Soil preparation is also a must before planting the rooftop plants in a container. A typical rooftop garden consists of different types of plants that give various fruits and vegetables. Now it is obvious that one cannot use a similar type of soil for all these plants. Hence one must do proper research and look at the type of soil that is required for planting a particular plant. Also, use organic material for better soil quality and yield. Using vegetable peels and fruit waste as compost is a great way to minimise kitchen waste.
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* Water Plants
Watering the plants regularly is very important. Now the tough part about the root of the garden is that it consists of various varieties of plants. One should be extremely careful about the timeline related to watering plants. Some plants need to be watered every day and even twice a day. At the same time, the other plants require water only once in a while or sporadically. Over-watering or under-watering plants can disturb their growth.