Start a Terrace Garden

Start a Terrace Garden

As Urban gardeners we don't have a lot of space to grow our plants. Making use of a terrace garden space is very important in a concrete jungle. You can have an organic terrace garden and a rooftop garden to escape from the everyday mundane life and also grow our own organic produce.

Are you an amateur terrace gardener and not sure how to start your terrace garden ? Read this article to help you get started on your terrace garden journey.

Getting Started on a Terrace Garden- Terrace gardening for beginners

  1. Analyze the hours of the sunlight your terrace gets.
  2. Analyze the areas where the sun shines directly onto your terrace.
  3. Choose your plants based on the hours of direct sunlight they require.
  4. If your terrace is shaded, choose plants that can survive in less light.
  5. Make sure your plants get enough water.
  6. Keep your plants free from pests.
  7. Give your plants plenty of space.
  8. Plant your herbs in pots rather than in the ground.
  9. Use a potting soil mix.
  10. Add compost to your soil.
  11. Use a fertilizer.
  12. Grow Vegetables in your Garden Space.

Let's look at each of the simple steps in detail:

1. Analyze the hoursof the sunlight your terrace gets.

It is important to analyze the hours of the sunlight your terrace receives before starting a terrace gardening project. This analysis will give you a better idea of the amount of light required for your plants to thrive. You should also know how much time it takes for your plants to mature.

2. Analyze the areas where the sun shine directly onto your terrace

This is an important step when planning a terrace garden. It is important to understand which parts of your terrace receive the maximum amount of sunlight. The best way to do this is by using a solar calculator.

3. Choose the plants according to the hours of direct sunlight they require

This step requires careful consideration. The type of plants you select depends on the hours of direct sunshine your terrace receives. For example, if your terrace has a lot of direct sunlight and extreme heat then you can grow tropical plants such as bougainvillea, hibiscus, ficus trees, etc.

4. If your terrace is shaded, choose plants that can survive in less light

If your terrace does not receive a lot of direct sunlight, you might want to consider growing herbaceous plants like mint, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, lavender, chives, etc. These plants need less light but still provide fragrance and flavor to your meals.

5. Water Your Plants Regularly

You must keep your plants watered regularly. Make sure your terrace has access to water or a source of water before starting your garden. The soil needs moisture to absorb nutrients from the fertilizer. In case of drought or summer conditions, you should water your plants every day. If you don't water your plants regularly, they won't grow well. Watering plants should be done regularly, at least once per week. The amount of water depends on the size of the plant and the climate where it grows. If you live in a dry area, then watering your plants more often may be necessary. Absorption of water by the plants will depend on the weather as well. However, too much water can cause root rot and other issues.

Excess water to plants causes them to grow too quickly, which leads to root rot. The roots need oxygen to breathe, and when they cannot find air, they begin to decay. If you water your plants too much, you may kill them.

Also, watering helps prevent diseases and pests.

6. Keep Your Plants Free From Pests

Pest control is essential for any gardener. You must be able to identify the pest problem and take appropriate measures to eliminate them. Pests are insects or animals that feed on plant material. They may damage leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, stems, bulbs, or tubers. Some pests attack only one type of plant while others attack many types. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and spider mites are common in home gardens. To prevent these pests from infesting your garden, you should use insecticides, which kill the insects. However, using pesticides may harm the environment and pollute the air. Instead, you can use natural pest control methods such as planting marigolds around your garden, making sure your soil drains well, and keeping the area clean. You can order organic pesticides from UrbanMali.

7. Give your plants plenty of space

When growing plants from seed, you want to give them enough room to spread out. This means spacing each plant at least 12 inches apart. Plants need room to breathe. If they are crowded together, they will not get enough air circulation and may suffer from root rot or fungus infections. They also need to be able to stretch out their roots so they can absorb nutrients from the soil. 

8. Plant Your Herbs In Pots Rather Than In The Ground

Planting herbs in pots is easier and saves lots of work. Herb pots come in various sizes and shapes. Potted plants and a garden with pots are easy to move around as well. Terracotta pots are a great option. You can also grow them in wooden crates, coconut shells, or any other plant containers.

Consider growing these Indian herbs in your roof garden. You can order your herbs at UrbanMali.

1. Tulsi

Tulsi is a herb that has been used since ancient times. It is native to India and Southeast Asia. Tulsi has it's own unique flavor and aroma. It can be added to salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and rice dishes.

2. Coriander

Coriander is a spice that comes from the seeds of the coriander plant. This herb is native to tropical regions of Africa and South America. In addition to its use as a seasoning, it is also used in some traditional medicines.

3. Dill

Dill is a member of the carrot family. It is native to Europe and Asia. It is often used in pickles and sauces. It is also commonly used in Indian dishes.

9. Use a potting soil mix

Potting soils are specially formulated mixes designed for growing plants in containers or pots. They contain nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, sulfur, and silicon. These elements help plants grow healthy roots and leaves. Adequate soil is required for proper plant growth.

The best option is to use a composted soil mix. Soil medium will contain all the nutrients needed by plants and won’t burn them out like commercial mixes. If you don’t want to use composted soil, then try using a standard garden soil mix.

10. Add compost to your soil

Composting helps decompose organic matter into nutrients for plants. It also adds fertility to the soil. You can make compost from kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, manure, and even coffee grounds. Compost is important for the health of your plants and soil. The amount depends on how big your garden is. If you have a small garden, then 1 cubic meter should be sufficient. If you have a large garden, then 2 cubic meters should be enough. However, if you want to grow flowers, then you only need half of that amount.

11. Use a fertilizer

Fertilizers are substances that add nutrients to the soil. They are usually made up of different combinations of minerals, including nitrates, phosphates, and potassium. Fertilizer makes plants stronger and healthier. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that contains both nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants. Phosphorous helps plants produce energy through photosynthesis.

Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials such as manure or composted plant material. They contain nutrients that plants need for growth. Chemical fertilizers are manufactured using chemicals extracted from coal, oil, gas, or rock. These chemicals are not needed by plants and may be harmful if they enter waterways. Get your organic manure from UrbanMali.

12. Grow Vegetables in your Garden Space

Vegetable gardens are great ways to get fresh vegetables every week. Some people choose to grow their own vegetables because they know exactly what goes into them. Others do so because they enjoy having access to fresh food. Whatever the reason, vegetable gardening is a fun way to spend time outside.

A kitchen garden is an excellent way to get basket full of fresh organic vegetable as fresh produce year round. You can also use your garden space for growing herbs, flower plants, vegetables or dwarf fruit trees as you become an advanced gardener. Growing organic means using natural methods to care for plants and soil, without harmful chemicals. It also means not using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Get your hands dirty and convert your residential flats into a green space.

 

List of Vegetables to grow in your vegetable garden:

  • Palak
  • Amaranthus
  • Drumstick
  • Carrot
  • Cucumber
  • Radish
  • Bean
  • Pumpkin
  • Cabbage
  • Brinjal
  • Chilli
  • Tomato
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce
  • Broccoli
  • Capsicum

You can have a flower garden, an edible garden, mini - gardens, regular terrace garden, ornamental trees or any variety of plants on your terrace space.

Want help in getting your terrace garden started ?

  • Get in touch with us at https://www.urbanmali.com/ or call us at 918880482000 for any queries. We can help you with your food garden.
  • Want to keep your pests away from your garden? Check out our organic pesticides and fertilizers for your soil !
  • Want seeds to start your terrace vegetable garden, but not sure where to get your seeds from ? We have good quality organic seeds which will be door delivered to you.

Happy Gardening!
Dr Vandana K