A vegetable garden on the roof.
Have you already heard about roof yards? Are you thinking about having one? Or are you still hesitating to take this incredible decision? After reading this article, you’ll know everything about this new type of garden becoming daily more and more popular.
Several scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of urban vegetable garden and the fact that it allows you to evolve in a circular economy environment. Above all, this innovation represents a true paradise for fauna and flora while it’s preserving the entire ecosystem. This installation also allows the recycling of organic waste, which was mostly destined to incineration or burial.
Essentials elements to consider before installing a roof garden.
Firstly, before you start your project, it’s vital to know that, you have two main methods of rooftop gardening. One method consists on spreading layers of soil directly on the roof, which is initially protected by a membrane. This technique is commonly called the ‘open ground method’, the second method is called the ‘bin method’ and consists on the use of vegetable pots.
Thereby, it’s also important to know that not all roofs suit the installation of a vegetable garden. It’s then essential to examine the legitimacy of your project and make sure that your roof will be able to support this extra weight. Accordingly, you will need to get help and consult a roofing specialist, for example an architect. Here are the contact details of two fabulous architects that we highly recommend you. In the same way, you will have to check that the town planning and safety regulations related to your property don’t prevent you from conducting such a project. Indeed, it’s above all important for you to assume every administrative aspect, in order to avoid frustrations or troubles caused by inattention.
Good news! Green lights obtained for the roof garden.
Once all these elements have been analysed, you’ll have to get started. The excitement might make you want to skip some steps, but be careful, don’t rush and proceed to any purchase or development of your vegetable garden without developing a ‘cultivation plan’ for your future garden. This represents the first and essential step before anything else. In this plan, which you will choose either to do alone or to assign to an architect, you will meticulously think about the layout of each of your plants and future crops. Be aware that, depending on the plant, the level of soil density required will differ. This is one of the reasons why the planning stage is particularly important.
Each plant at its place, there on the roof garden.
Leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce or cabbage requires 15 cm to 20 cm of soil. While most other plants require 50 cm to 60 cm of soil. So think about your cultivation plan and the layout of your future roof garden according to these criteria. Also, be aware that it’s not possible to grow all local vegetables on a roof. Indeed, deep-rooted vegetables such as leeks, corn or asparagus should be avoided. Once you have established all these precautions and that your growing plan is done, move on to acquiring the different materials and seeds you will need.
Before setting up your vegetable garden, remember to protect your roof.
We will never say it enough, make sure to protect your roof. Especially, if you choose a ‘solid ground’ vegetable garden. Installing a root-resistant roof membrane appears a wise choice and will help you to prevent roots from damaging your roof.
You can use different substrates, but prefer the use of organic substrates or potting soil, which replaces chemical soils that are harmful to the environment. Once the substrate has been installed, DO IT! Sow and plant as you wish, have fun.
Thanks to this innovation, you are able to enhance local economy and culture and you encourage urban pollination. All this, while bringing more biodiversity to your town and the opportunity, at your scale, to increase air quality, while breaking with the present monotony of the urban landscape
A vegetable garden on the roof of the We Are Open Coworking.
We often say that dreamers have their head in the stars. Well, at WAO, we decided to get closer to it. Indeed, WAO has 400 m² of roof space. So it would be crazy not to seize advantage of it! We have also decided to install an urban vegetable garden and a relaxation lounge on the roof of our premises. Not only to get closer to the stars but also to get nearer to you.
Indeed, following our values, we would like this coworking to figure as a place of tranquillity, exchange and sharing. But also, a place where everyone could dream about the world of tomorrow. A world we desire, more responsible, greener and fairer.
Don’t hesitate to contact us or to come and visit us for any advice on your urban vegetable garden project.
WAO, let’s work green together!
