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Home > Guides > Urban Gardening > Rooftop Gardening Guide > Rooftop Organic Farming Guide |
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Rooftop Organic Farming Guide |
Vegetable  Organic Farming Survival |
Rooftop gardening is similar to other types of container gardening with some notable exceptions. The first is the wind conditions that are inherent to such locations. Unlike ground-level spots like patios, rooftops see considerable gusts that can cause damage to all but the most sturdy growers. Higher rooftops will see considerably more wind than lower locations. When scouting your rooftop for the best place for your garden, avoid spots that are exposed to the direct wind in open expansive areas. The most ideal locations will be in close proximity to some type of shelter or wind block.
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Rooftop Gardening Guide
GROWING NOTES
 Rooftop gardens are likely to be exposed to more intense sunlight than those at ground level. Such light is less likely to be filtered by trees or other covering, potentially generating heat levels that can be dangerous to growing plants. If this proves to be the case, it may be wise to invest in a thin shade cloth or netting to provide some protection to your crops. The surface of the rooftop also becomes especially important as dark materials will absorb most sunlight and create a very hot, arid environment.
 Hot, sunny conditions on rooftops can quickly cause plants to dry out. There are several means to address this. Perhaps the most important point to promote good water retention is through the soil. Rooftop gardens should be grown in a lightweight medium that has good water retention. To improve water retention, soil can be amended with a small amount of vermiculite. Self-watering containers are another means to keep your plants moist. Such containers typically need less attention than traditional watering, and provide a source of water that simulates patterns in nature. To protect from moisture loss at the surface of the soil, a layer of mulch can be evenly spread over the surface of the soil.
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 Organic farming is based around techniques that are safe and over time will enhance the quality of the soil and surroundings. Synthetic fertilizers, growing mediums and other petroleum or chemically-based constituents are avoided due to their potentially destructive impact upon soil, produce and environment. This an approach that espouses cooperation with the environment rather than expending energy unnecessarily to suit human desires. A major emphasis in organic farming is on the conservation of soil and water. In turn, this approach yields crops that are more nutritious and less demanding upon local resources.
 Organic farming will incorporate the same values and techniques whether practiced on rooftops or more typical environments. As all crops must be grown in containers, regular amendment and recycling of the growing medium becomes essential. In addition, the unobstructed sunlight and windy conditions common to rooftop environments present a challenge to the organic gardener as such condition can quickly cause excessive drying. In such conditions, a high rate of organic compost and other matter is essential. A growing medium rich in such content will also promote healthier, more desirable produce. Adding a thin layer of mulch to the top of your medium around your crops will also help to prevent soil from losing moisture content.
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