Benefits of Having Roof Top Garden and What are the Crucial Factors of Success

28/03/2014 08:51

Roof gardening is utilizing rooftop space to have a garden. The concept became very popular lately but it was there from hanging gardens of Babylon. The most common reason to have roof garden is, limited ground space available in front or backyard. Roof gardening is the only possible option for apartment living people to have their own garden. Gardening on roof is a good way to spend free time and it rewards back in several ways.

Besides it helps to minimize air pollution, surface run offs etc roof garden provides a home and habitats for wildlife such as butterflies, birds etc. Residences with rooftop gardens go for higher prices in the market as charming roof garden makes significant impact on buyer's mind. Roof gardens can provide vegetables such as bush beans, bok choy, zuchinni, tomatoes; fruits such as strawberry, asian pear, black raspberries, currants etc and the herbs & flowers too. The success of roof garden project does not depend on the available space but how well it is designed and prepared.

Since roof tops are exposed to weather changes (than gardens on ground), the plants to have on roof garden should be picked accordingly. Sun, wind, rain, snow directly meet the plants in roof tops and it is one of the biggest challenge to over come. Consider to have a cover, at least a canvas that can protect roof garden plants from heavy rain and hot sun. There are plants which require high amount of water, with easily fall off flowers for the wind etc - do not use such plants. Drainage system of the garden should be capable of moving the excess water out efficiently. Since available soil for roof garden plants is limited, quality of the soil is very important for a roof garden. Soil should be nutrient rich, light-weight and water absorbent. High quality soil help plants to extend roots quickly and do not run out of retained water, nutrients (need less amount of fertilizing.)