Monday, October 19, 2009

Roof Gardening

By Jason Myers

Roof gardening is a form of plant cultivation that is done on top of a home or the building's roof. Terraces as well as balconies can also be used.Different kinds of farming can be undertaken; flat floor gardening or flat bed, vertical farming which makes use of walls by creeping plants and danging pot planting. Consider the hanging gardens of Babylon!

Why Roof Gardening? As pressure on land keeps on increasing especially in urban areas, roof gardening becomes an option. Other factors comprise enhancing architectural and decorative designs, climate regulation, own fruit and vegetable supply, home for little insects, bees, butterflies, birds, and lizards, amongst others.

Roof planting provides great recreational openings, not only as a relaxation and pastime but encourages personal movement and exercise even as tending the garden. It not just encourages greener cities but allows effective waste and water recycling, thus effecting ecological conservation. Green plants help to capture the overload of carbon dioxide brought about by transportation vehicles and factories which is the source of global warming.

Importance of the weight of the soil must be dependent on the power of the building's floor block. If you intend to create your own house, let the architect and the engineer know that you would intend to practise roof farming. Lighter soil types must be used, such as peat moss as well as soil rite. If these are not available, attempt with a mixture of garden soil (50%) saw dust (30%) and sand pebbles (20%), such a soil combination is not just lightweight but also increases water retention and root expansion You do not appreaciate damp surroundings on your roof. To let excess water to drain off, apply a coating of water-resistant bitumen on the floor.

During construction phase, waterproof cement must be utilized on the floor. However, you can place burnt bricks (2"x4" inches) next, place a net lawn on top to maintain soil on place. If the area is large, place pipes along several places that direct to the main drainage holes and make sure they are coated by the soil. You can additionally improvise with covers to keep off heavy rains from ruining your garden, as indeed burning sun.

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