Roof gardening is a form of plant cultivation that is done on top of a home or the building’s roof. Terraces and balconies can also be used. Various types of crop growing can be undertaken; flat floor crop growing or flat bed, vertical gardening which makes use of walls by creeping plants and hanging pot gardening. Consider the hanging gardens of Babylon!
photo credit: Henryleonghw

Why Roof Gardening? As pressure on land keeps on increasing especially in metropolitan areas, roof gardening turns out to be an option. Different reasons comprise enhancing architectural and decorative designs, climate control, own fruit and vegetable supply, home for tiny insects, bees, butterflies, birds, and lizards, among others.

Roof gardening offers amazing recreational opportunities, not only as a leisure pursuit and pastime but promotes personal movement and exercise while taking care of the garden.

It not only encourages greener cities but promotes efficient waste and water recycling, therefore effecting ecological conservation. Green plants help to arrest excess carbon dioxide brought about by transportation vehicles and businesses which causes global warming.

Consideration of the weight of the soil should be based on the strength of the building’s floor block. If you plan to build your own house, let the architect and the engineer be informed that you would intend to do roof gardening.

Lighter soil types must be utilized, like peat moss and soil rite. If these are unavailable, try a combination of garden soil (50%) saw dust (30%) and sand pebbles (20%), such a soil combination is not only lightweight but additionally increases water retention and root growth You would never appreaciate damp surroundings on your roof. To let excess water to drain off, put a coating of waterproof bitumen on the floor.

Throughout construction stage, water-resistant cement should be used on the floor. But, you may place burnt bricks (2″x4″ inches) next, place a net lawn on top to maintain soil on place. If the area is huge, place pipes along several places that lead to the major drainage holes and make sure they are coated by the soil. You may also improvise with covers to hold off heavy rains from damaging your crops, as indeed scorching sun.

Jason Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about gardening related tips. He’s also interested in landscaping and outdoor decorating news.

Technorati Tags: container gardening, gardening, home, landscaping, outdoor activities

Here are several useful tips for creating a hanging basket or container pot. I also use these techniques for my indoor container gardens and windowsill plants too.

photo credit: farmerjulie

Soil is always the key to a healthy plant. For containers and hanging baskets use an artificial soil composed mostly of peat moss.  Good soils such as Fafard or Pro-Mix use perlite, peat, and other ingredients to produce a soil that will not compact over the summer.  I also use homemade compost in my container plants. (It makes great compost tea.)

Real garden soil compacts and turns into concrete under the pressure of regular watering.  And when that happens the plant roots stop growing because they require good open spaces to move into and absorb nutrients. Hard, compacted soils do not grow good plants so do not use real soil in your containers. It’s also lighter than real soil.

Tip: I re-use my artificial potting soil from year to year.  I dump it out of the pot when the season is over or the plant needs re-potted. Break up the soil mix with a shovel to cut up all last year’s roots. Next add approximately 10 % of compost. The compost will create air spaces and gives plants a boost of nutrients.

Feed your plants regularly.  Nitrogen is needed by all plants and is used up quickly.  I use a fish-emulsion liquid feed with seaweed to provide all the trace nutrients my plants require.  I also use compost tea, which I have a supply on hand at all times. You can use any liquid plant food (like Miracle Grow) to promote growth.

Watering your plants. And finally, no matter the size of the container, it is important to soak it all the way to the bottom at each watering.  Continue watering until water emerges from the pot bottom.  This ensures the roots can reach all parts of the container and grow properly. I also set all my container plants on pebbles that sit on trays. This adds humidity around the plant and also makes sure the plant has drained well. Plants do not like wet feet (roots).

photo credit: daryl_mitchell

These tips will keep your container plants and indoor plants healthy.

Technorati Tags: container gardening, gardening, gardens, growing indoors, landscaping

When selecting a new shrub for your yard you should consider several things. Growing conditions, height, width and insect problems are only few concerns. For more selection tips check out Planting shrubs and trees: time saving tips

photo credit: Gnosticgardener
After you have selected the right shrub for your yard you will want to
pick a site in your yard or garden area that meets the shrub’s climate and space requirements.

For example, planting a sun lover like hibiscus in the shade will result in a slow growth and decline, which will usually lead to disease and insect problems, followed by its demise. Planting a giant shrub like a viburnum against the foundation of your house will result in you clipping the shrub several times each year to keep it somewhat under control.

I usually research my shrub online or from a garden book and choose my location before I buy the plant. This way I can dig a hole and be ready to plant the shrub as soon as I get home. If I have pre-dug the hole I water the hole the night before I get the shrub.

If I find a shrub and bring it home, I water the shrub well and sit it in the shade, dig a hole, water the hole and plant the shrub the next day.

Why water a hole? It lets me see if the location drains well and I also make sure the surrounding water is damp and moist. This will help the shrub adapt to its new surrounding faster.

Other tips for planting a shrub

• Plant your container grown or balled shrubs in early spring or fall, while temperatures are mild. Bare root shrubs should be planted in early spring, so they have the rest of the growing season to get established.
• Dig a hole approximately 1 ½ times the size of the root ball. Amend the soil minimally. I use compost in the bottom of the hole and mix a small amount of compost in the soil that I have removed for the shrub. When roots encounter overly rich soil surrounded by a wall of clay, they tend to grow back into the amended area, producing a root-bound effect. Since my soil tens to be heavy clay this step is important for me.
• Tamp the soil back into the hole with your foot, eliminating air pockets. Air pockets cause poor drainage and the roots of the shrub will not breath properly leading to a sickly shrub that grows slowly.
• Water the shrub with a trickle from the hose, drip irrigation or with plastic milk jugs until the area is saturated. Continue providing one inch of water per week during the growing season.
• It’s best to reduce competition from weeds by installing a weed mat or 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Your shrub will grow better and you will have less work. You could also plant a shallow-rooted ground cover around the base of the shrub. Periwinkle is a good choice for a ground cover.
• When planting shrubs, plant in a group of three to five. Repetition and odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye and have a more natural look. If you consider your shrub to be a stand-alone specimen, plant some smaller shrubs in front of it to give a layered look. The addition of perennial flowers in the group will also add to the planting.

Shrubs add to the beauty and relaxation of your yard. They also make a great backdrop for flowers and soften the edges of your home and garden areas.

Technorati Tags: backyard garden, landscaping, planting shrubs, plants, shrubs