Terrace Garden: Make a Lush Oasis in Urban Spaces

Nature always gives positive energy and hope. And as a writer, I feel that!!!

Gardening is the best way to regain hope, dreams, and confidence. And if you have a terrace or balcony then must do terrace gardening. When you start spending time in it, you undoubtedly feel hopeful and enthusiastic. And you become productive as well. 

Whenever you become a pessimist and consume negative thoughts continuously then spend a few moments with plants. Take a walk in a park or in your terrace garden. Indeed it is the most valuable thing you have!!!

When the world wearies and society fail to satisfy, there is always the garden.

-Minnie Aumonier

In this blog, I’ll help you with how you can make an appealing terrace garden and why you have to do this.

Let’s delve into the beauty of plants and flowers!

Why Terrace Gardening is Escalating?

Terrace gardening has become famous because of the ongoing increasing demand for fresh and organic fruits or veggies. Moreover, you can easily get fresh air in the polluted metropolitan cities. Also, your house becomes cool and lowers the temperature in summer. And help you to save air conditioner bills.

Terraces and rooftops are good sources to create a garden. You can:

• Utilize your small or limited outdoor space.
• Spend time alone.
• Easily plant flowers to beautify your small space.
• Access nature at your pace without going anywhere.
• Easily get oxygen or purified air.
• Cultivate fruits and vegetables on your own.
• Get healthy food free from pests and diseases.

How to Get Started with Terrace Gardening?

Step 1: Choose a location

First and foremost, you have to check sunlight availability, wind direction, proper drainage system and the weight your garden can bear in that space. Sketch out your rough plan so you can easily utilize your space.

The following plants need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight

• Brinjal
• Tomatoes
• Herbs
• Gourds
• Cucumber
• Peppers
• Squashes

The following plants need 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight

• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Radish
• Cauliflower
• Peas
• Onion
• Beans

Step 2: Waterproof your terrace garden

You must be properly waterproofing the floor of your terrace garden. Don’t take it for granted. It is the foundation of your terrace garden so, it must be leakage-proof. If you do not pay attention then water seeps into your building and your building may be damaged.

So, waterproof your terrace garden with a layer of bricks and, polymer coating on the concrete slab, and make a waterproofing membrane. It is a good barrier to make your building leakage-proof.

Step 3: Choose appropriate plants

Start with plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, roses, chillies, leafy greens, coriander, marigolds, etc. These are easy-to-grow plants so you can enjoy them while planting them. Make sure that your garden looks attractive, organized, and visually pleasing. So, choose wisely.

Step 4: Choose the right containers

The containers you choose must be durable, lightweight, and have a good drainage system. So, select those containers that are best suited for your space and budget. You can choose terracotta pots and recycled bottles.

Step 5: Essential tools and equipment

Select handy tools like:

• Trowel
• Shovel
• Pruning scissor
• Soil testing kit
• Garden kneeler
• Watering can
• Gardening rake

Step 6: Let’s prepare the soil

Nourish your plants with healthy soil. Create a potting mix by mixing soil with organic compost. Make sure that the soil is well-drain rich in essential nutrients. So, you can use cocopeat, vermicompost, and organic compost to feed your soil. Don’t use fertilisers. And leave a potting mixture for one or two weeks to settle it down properly.

Step 7: Watering your plants

Regularly water your plants by using a watering can or a hose. Must schedule your regular watering. And avoid overwatering your plants.

Step 8: Prevent pests and bugs

Use natural pesticides to keep away bugs from your plants. For instance, a mixture of neem oil, baking soda, and soap water. Also, you can use organic fungicides like Trichoderma and eco-friendly pesticides like garlic, onions, basil, etc.

How to Create an Awe-Inspiring Terrace Garden?

You can easily create an eco-friendly terrace garden by adding beauty, a touch of nature, and tranquillity.

Implement smart irrigation systems

When we talk about irrigation then it must be clear in your mind that we talk about smart solutions. So, it is energy efficient. I recommend you opt for smart irrigation systems that help you in:

• Monitoring soil moisture
• Providing the right amount of water
• Minimizing water waste
• Reducing water bills
• Real-time monitoring of weather conditions
• Adjusting water schedules
• Promoting healthier planting
• Reducing pests and diseases

Maximize small spaces

You have to utilize your small spaces to make your terrace garden beautiful. You can easily increase plant diversity with the help of trellis or vertical gardening. It makes your walls appealing and saves your space. It also improves air quality.

Make a bird-friendly garden

The most important things that you must put in your terrace garden are:

1. A drinking trough
2. A sand baths
3. A nesting box

It will help you to fill up your terrace garden with numerous kinds of birds.

Incorporate comfortable amenities

You must choose the right amenities that are comfortable as well as enhance the beauty of your terrace garden. For instance,

• install sliding doors,
• huge glass windows,
• lounge chairs and sofas,
• wind chimes,
• antique planters,
• bamboo screens,
• standard hedges,
• reused plastic containers,
• hanging pots,
• concealed lights,
• timber walls,
• eco-friendly lightning,
• wall-mounted fixtures,
• path lights, etc.

All the above materials help you in enhancing your terrace garden. And make it peaceful, cosy, and soothing. So, you can reduce your stress and eliminate your tiredness.

Make a sustainable terrace garden

You must make your terrace garden eco-friendly with the help of sustainable gardening. You can use organic fertilisers, utilize kitchen waste, plant native species, and provide bird feeders to compose a beautiful and sustainable terrace garden.

 You must keep in your mind to make a greener and healthier environment through:

•  Incorporate organic waste into the soil
•  Buy second-hand tables or chairs
•  Collect rainwater in a barrel, a canister, and a bucket
•  Use egg cartons, and old canisters to beautify your terrace garden
•  Choose sustainable boxes, pots, and containers
•  Select bee-friendly plants
•  Use compost, sand, and mulch
•  Incorporate reclaimed bricks or stones
•  Use solar-powered garden lights
•  Choose drought-tolerant plants
•  Install a drip irrigation system
•  Choose energy-efficient LED lights

All the above techniques help you in making your terrace garden sustainable and eco-friendly. On the other hand, it is like a therapeutic escape for you from your stressful life.

 How to Maintain Your Terrace Garden?

Regular care and in-depth attention are necessary to maintain your terrace garden. So, you have to indulge yourself in:

• Waterproofing your terrace floor
• Incorporating a proper drainage system
• Choose the right furniture wisely
• Cleaning and rearrangement of pots
• Lookout pests and get rid of them
• Pruning and trimming your plants
• Monitor soil quality
• Minimizing water wastage
• Check nutrient deficiency
• Incorporate proper ventilation

You can also hire gardening professionals that help you maintain your terrace garden. And make it appealing and enhance its beauty.

Final Thoughts

So, this is all about terrace gardening. I hope you understand what is terrace gardening. And how you can do it?

Ok, I will meet you on another blog!

Happy gardening!

Don’t forget to share your gardening journey with me!