India is known for its green cover in the world but today, one can hardly see anything green here, especially in the cities like Delhi and Mumbai. If you are the one who is fond of greenery but doesn’t have enough space for garden then, here is the mantra to create a green cover over your rooftop.
Most of the people assume that set up and maintenance of terrace garden take lot of money but, here we will tell you the golden tips to set up terrace garden only in Rs. 800- Rs. 900. Even one can plan terrace garden in space as small as 50 sq.ft. You need to have one or two room roof space and more importantly, passion for planting.
- Let’s start with Planning. It is very important to visualize the view of terrace garden you want to create. If you have small terrace then place the plants adjacent to the boundary walls. You can also go hanging pots, which are easily available in market. But if you have more space you can create garden in half of it and on boundaries as well.
- While planning a terrace garden, it is important to see how much sunlight your terrace receives in a day. Plants survive only when there is sunlight for at least 4-5 hours a day. If your terrace receives less sunlight, you can go for plants which can survive in shade or less sunlight.
- Secondly, drainage is an important issue. Your terrace should have sufficient drainage holes or slope so that water does not accumulate anywhere. Or if you have good amount of money, you can go for waterproofing of your terrace. Today most of the urban houses have good roof drainage system.
- Now look for the kind of plants you want in your terrace garden. It is important to consider few factors while selecting plants, such as climatic conditions, water supply, amount of sunlight and air on your terrace.
- If you have good space and your terrace receives enough sunlight and air, then you can go for most of the plants available in the market. For instance, rose (June-July), marigold (March-April), Sunflower (December-January), Jasmine (April-June), Tulsi (October-November), Aloe Vera, Money Plant (June-August), Garden Balsam etc.
- In case, you have less space and don’t receive good amount of sunlight then go for shade plants, such as money plants, Jade plant and other interior plants.
You can also visit nearby nursery to purchase these plants and also to have a good idea about these plants. Rates of the plants differ according to their demand and availability. One can purchase as much as 15 plants in just Rs. 350 in Delhi from nurseries. You can also go for state-owned nurseries where plants are available free of cost (occasionally, like on environment days etc).
- It is good to have well-balanced terrace garden that has few flowering plants, some herbs, different types of palms (if there is enough space), ornamental plants, climbers, shrubs and hedges.
- For those who want to plant from seeds can buy mud pots from market and fill 3/4th of it with soil (preferably black soil). Put the seeds and cover it with one-two layers of soil and spread small amount of water in pot. Water the plant once in winters and at least twice in summers.
- After purchasing and placing plants on your terrace, invest in some gardening maintainace tools, such as spading fork, hand pruners and watering equipments. You can buy all these tools in about Rs.250-300.
- Buy small spading fork to dig down the soil and break the ground. It is essential to flip the top soil of plant twice in a month in winters and at least thrice a month in summers.
- Hand pruners are used to trim the plants. It helps in giving clean and precise look to the plant.
- Watering equipments are nothing but used to water the plants. You can use showers attachments or other watering tools available in market.
- Manure is essential for all types of plants. It acts as a food for the plant because it has nitrogen, carbon and other important nutrients. Natural manure is the best option but if it is not available in market, you can also go for artificial one. But, don’t forget to use it in proper quantity; otherwise it could damage the plant. Rates of manures differ from Rs. 30 to Rs. 100, depending upon the quantity.
- Pesticides and insecticides are rarely used in home gardens. They are used only when gardens are not maintained properly. It is important to know about the right quantity and right time for using pesticides and insecticides.
- Last but not the least, keep up the spirit and maintain your terrace garden regularly:
- Even if you are working, give one-two hours to your terrace garden on weekends.
- Water plants once a day in winters and at least twice a day in summers. However, amount of water depends on the kind of plant but average plant needs good amount of water.
- Digging of top soil without harming the roots of plants is important for their long survival. But don’t dig soil of small plants as their roots are generally week and it could damage the plant.
- Give them manure after digging. You can do digging and manuring twice a month in winter and at least thrice a month in summers. It is very important to keep the manure, pesticides and insecticides in sealed packets and at cool place.
By Shilpy Arora
