So you live in the city and want to garden but don’t have any space. Even a small yard is out of the question. Of course, you could go the traditional route and get a window box or pots for your fire escape, but why not think outside the box (literally)? If you have a metal roof, you can garden there!
Not only is it unique to have a garden on your roof, but growing vegetables there can make a beautiful addition to your home–particularly if you live in an urban area. In addition, you get the distinct benefit of having fresh fruits and veggies readily available instead of relying on produce from the supermarket.
Nevertheless, many individuals are still perplexed about whether it is a sound decision to garden on their rooftops. They have various questions concerning the structural integrity, placement, types of plants that can be grown, and so forth. Also, not every roof is capable of supporting a garden, and unique climatic conditions are necessary for this activity.
Therefore, you need to take into account several things before you start planting your seeds.
In the following lines, we will discuss some of the primary aspects you should consider before starting a metal roof garden.
1. Check If Your Roof Can Support The Weight
The first thing you need to do is check if your roof can support the weight of a garden. This is essential because you don’t want your plants and soil collapsing through your ceiling. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and that the roof can support the weight of the soil and plants.
Most metal roofs are designed to support at least 50 pounds per square foot, but it is always best to check with a professional beforehand. They will be able to tell you definitively whether or not your roof can handle the extra weight and make recommendations for reinforcement if necessary.
If you’re looking for a professional to help you with this, we suggest using the services of a metal roofing contractor London Eco Metal. London Eco Metal knows everything about metal roofs and will be able to help you make sure your roof can support a garden.
2. Insulate The Roof
Metal roofs conduct heat, so in the summer, your plants will be cooked if you don’t take measures to protect them. There are special insulation mats made for this purpose, or you can use regular old bubble wrap. Just make sure there is a layer of material between the metal and the soil to protect your plants from the heat.
3. Consider The Climate
When choosing plants for your garden, it’s essential to consider the climate of your area. Different plants thrive in different climates, so you’ll need to do some research to figure out which ones will do well on your roof.
If you live in a warm climate, you can grow just about anything—vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. If you live in a colder climate, however, you’ll need to stick to plants that don’t mind the cold and can withstand some frost.
As we mentioned before, not all plants do well in rooftop gardens. You’ll need to choose ones that are drought- and heat-resistant and can tolerate high winds. Some good options include succulents, sedums, cacti, lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Get The Right Soil
You can’t just use any old dirt for your metal roof garden. The soil needs to be light and drain well, so it doesn’t get waterlogged and damage your roof.
There are special mixes explicitly made for roof gardens that you can buy at most garden stores. If you want to make your own, mix two parts sand, two parts peat moss, and one part perlite.
5. Make Sure You Have Enough Sunlight
Plants need sunlight to grow, so you’ll need to make sure that your roof gets enough sun throughout the day. If it’s mainly in the shade, you might not be able to grow much more than mosses and lichens.
You can check the amount of sunlight your roof gets by going outside at different times of day and seeing how much sun hits it. If you find it mostly in the shade, you can try pruning trees or installing awnings to create more light.
Bonus Tips
1. Install A Watering System
Since your garden will be in a precarious spot, you’ll need to install a watering system to ensure that your plants don’t dry out. You can either connect your system to a nearby water source or set up a rainwater catchment system to collect rainwater for watering.
Be sure to install a timer so that your plants are watered automatically–you don’t want to forget and end up with dead plants!
2. Put Up A Fence
To keep your plants safe from high winds, you’ll need to put up a fence around the perimeter of your garden. You can use any type of fencing material you like, but make sure that it’s securely attached to your roof, so it doesn’t blow away.
3. Add Some Decor
Once you’ve got all the practical aspects taken care of, it’s time to add some decorations to make your garden feel like home. Consider adding some patio furniture, planters, and wind chimes to make it a relaxing oasis in the middle of the city.
Bottom Line
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start planning your metal roof garden. Gardening on a roof is not for the faint of heart! It’s a bit more work than traditional gardening, but it can be gratifying. Just be prepared to put in a little extra effort to make your metal roof garden thrive. Just remember to take things slow and do your research to create a space you love.
