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Terrace Gardening

Easy Vegetables To Grow On The Terrace – Planting

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Introduction to Easy Vegetables To Grow On The Terrace Garden: Terrace gardens are also called roof gardens. It is a garden where fruits, flowers, or vegetables grow on terraces, balconies, or roofs of buildings. Terrace gardening is a popular hobby in terms of financial benefits and physical exercises, time, better utilization of space, environmental sanitation, household waste recycling, etc. Furthermore, the terrace garden also reduces the heating of the terrace and consequently improves the cooling in the summer. Hence, the practice of terrace gardening is participatory, but psychologically and ethically, it is mandatory.

A step-by-step guide to Easy Vegetables To Grow On The Terrace, Planting Information for Beginners

The best soil for terrace gardening

The right type of soil is essential as the nutrients decide the growth of the plant. Equal amounts of sand and vermin compost should be mixed into the soil. The soil tends to lose nutrients if it receives heavy rains, so it needs to be replenished. Compost can be added weekly to the soil to make sure that its nutrients are filled, especially before the flowering or the fruiting season begins for your favorite plants, check the pH levels of the soil to ensure that it is between 6.2 and 6.8 or whatever is appropriate for them.

Containers used for terrace gardening

Containers are the best choice for terrace gardening. Use containers made of terracotta, wood, clay, metal, etc. Besides these, you can also use old paint cans, crates or boxes for vegetables and fruits, glass or plastic bottles, wheelbarrows, sandboxes, and containers for oils. All types of recycled containers can hold soil, and water can be used for growing plants in terrace gardens. Sugar bags, wheat, rice, cement bags, and garbage bags are also used to grow plants. Select the right size of container for your plant. Try to avoid plastic containers, as plastic containers will break in the long run due to the heat.  All the containers should have 2 to 3 holes. Cover the draining holes with a fine net that stops the dripping of soil. Cover the bottom of the containers with gravel to avoid water closing.

Different ways to propagate plants for terrace gardening

There are several popular ways to propagate plants from his parent plants, including the following:

From cuttings: Several plants can be propagated by stem cuttings.

From seeds: Most plants are grown from seeds, but some are difficult to grow.

By division: Plants such as hydrangea and begonia propagate by root division.

By layering: Several plants in flower and berry species plants can be multiplied by layering.

By grafting or budding: grafting and budding are essential methods for propagating fruit and nut plants, besides roses.

Vegetables to grow in a Terrace Garden

Tomato: Growing tomatoes is relatively easy, but growing organic tomatoes is more complicated. Terraced gardens will produce healthy tomatoes if they receive six hours of sunlight per day, are planted in well-composted soil, and are regularly watered. You may need to ensure that the land and water are restrained with a barrier to prevent them from draining out. You can even get a planter box where no need for watering plants every day. To grow tomatoes successfully, all need good seeds, and non-hybrid seeds are not preferred. However, you may not need to purchase seeds, just cut two to three fully ripe tomatoes and harvest the seeds and plant them in the soil. The temperature required for the growing of tomatoes is 18 to 24°C.

In case if you miss this: How To Grow Radish In Greenhouse.

Growing Tomatoes in the Terrace Garden.
Growing Tomatoes On Terrace (Image source: pixabay)

Radish: Radish is one of the easiest and fastest plants to cultivate. Container or in a traditional garden bed is adapted to the cultivation of radish. You can expect an outcome of 30 to 40 days after sowing the seeds. There are two types of radishes: winter radishes and spring radishes. Radishes thrive in all climatic zones: radishes like large amounts of sunlight. The seeds should be placed at a depth of 1/2 inch and a distance of 1-2 inches. Radishes must have the right temperature and be kept moist to remain healthy and tasty.

Cucumber: Most of the cucumber varieties reach many feet tall. It has the property to send its roots into the soil under them. There are many varieties of cucumbers available in the market that can be cultivated in an indoor garden. It also needs less soil and can still stand the typical size of cucumbers. A pot greater than 7 inches is necessary to plant the cucumber. Scatter the seeds onto the soil, place another layer of soil, and make sure all the bases are covered with soil. For the growth of the cucumber plant, it needs ten days and the right conditions, and for a mature plant, it takes 45 to 60 days. Cucumber plants need large volumes of water. Therefore, each day keep the soil is very wet.

How About This: Coconut Coir Benefits For Gardening.

Growing Cucumber in the Terrace Garden
Cucumber (Pic credit: pixabay)

Carrot: Another great and easy option for locally grown veggies is carrot. Just like tomatoes, carrots can also be grown in flower boxes or small containers. There are various varieties of carrots that you develop, like short and sweet fingers, tiny fingers, red carrots, etc. If you water the plant regularly, you are more likely to grow healthier carrots. If you are ready to grow longer plants, make sure you choose large flower boxes. Choose a large vessel at least 1 foot (0.30 m) in depth.

Onions: Due to their small size and simple growing requirements, onions can be grown quickly in a terrace garden. There is nothing better than organic onions. In addition, green onions are known to grow well in little containers. The ideal length of the container to grow onions should be 10-14 inches in depth and 8-10 inches in diameter.

Potato: Potatoes are probably one of the easiest vegetables you can grow on your terrace. Growing potatoes in a garden pot are always fun and enriching. It would be best to have a container, which is approximately 10 to 12 inches in depth. In these planters, you can quickly grow about 3 to 4 potatoes. Make sure you keep your plant always moisturized, so your potato plants grow healthy and start giving you fresh potatoes soon. Also, make sure the stems are completely covered with soil. You will begin to get new potatoes within a few months.

Capsicum: From preparing delicious salads to filling a plate, capsicums are a top priority for many chefs. Capsicums can be grown in any planter, around 12-14 inches deep, with a bit of patience and a lot of care. First, start with a pot full of good planting mixture. Next, tickle the top of the soil with your fingertips, and then sprinkle the seeds over the top of your container and add up a little more ground to get it fully covered. Finally, give it a bit of water, just what it takes to make the soil moist. In a short time (3-4 months), you will receive terrace capsicums.

Beets: Say yes to beetroot! Beets can develop well in small areas due to their small size. Take a pot about 12 to 13 inches in depth so beets can grow hassle-free. You can grow about six to seven different beets in this space. Add a little flavor to your salads with a fresh supply of beets.

Brinjal: Brinjal is another vegetable that we can grow quickly on the terrace, and this is a warm-season crop. Brinjal is sensitive to frost. It is said that eating brinjal in the summer protects children against measles. There are several varieties of various sizes, colours, and forms. We can plant brinjal by spacing 30 to 45cm between seedlings and maintain a 60cm gap between rows. We need 2 to 5gms of seeds per 10 square meters.

Hot pepper: Hot pepper is an essential spice in India and Asian countries. The spiciest varieties of hot peppers are grown in the hot summer season. Unfortunately, the non-pungent types are delicate and susceptible to diseases. We need 1gm of seeds per 10 square Meters and need to be planted with a 30 to 45cm gap. We can harvest hot pepper after 2 to 2.5 months.

You may also check this: Potato Seed Germination.

Growing Hot Peppers in the Terrace Garden
Hot Pepper (Image source: pixabay)

Pumpkin: The summer season is an excellent time to grow pumpkins. A pumpkin can weigh anywhere between 5 kilograms and 40 kilograms. Due to the pumpkins’ giant size, they can climb the ground rather than a trellis. The first crop of pumpkins will take about 3-4 months to grow.

Bottle gourd: It is also called calabash, though it is popularly referred to as Lauki in India. In India & around the world, it has long been known as a widely cultivated fruiting vegetable. The bottle gourd plant is a climber with tendrils that look like springs. White fleshed fruits have a milky green colour and come in several shapes and sizes; lengthy cylindrical and short-around varieties dominate the market. The seed sowing method is an easy way to grow bottle gourd all year round. When it comes to planting seeds, summer and monsoon are ideal. A small plot of land is sown with seeds planted directly and can germinate in 7 to 8 days.

Okra: In some parts of the world, okra is regarded as a symbol of summer. The best time to sow seeds is between March and July. Leaves on okra plants are long and broad, with lobes ranging from four to five, and there are white and yellow flowers on them. It can grow in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 and tolerate severe drought conditions. However, a good amount of water is required for okra plants, and overwatering can result in rotting. Okra plants grow well in full sun and are propagated primarily from seeds.

Here are some tips for terrace gardens

1. Take advantage of plastic containers. They are lighter and hold moisture better than terracotta. When you are using soil on a terrace, don’t forget to waterproof the terrace’s surface. You will be protected from leaks in your home.

2. When it rains, do not water the plants. Add nutrients to the soil if there is excessive rain for a few days

3. The sun is another noteworthy feature. A terrace plant requires four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. So if you want the tastiest vegetable, provide them with enough sunlight.

4. Don’t place plants too close together, as they may compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight?

A Pesticide Guide for Terrace Gardening

Neem oil: Neem has long been known for its medicinal and culinary properties. Additionally, it is known to be used as a pest deterrent. There is a bitter taste and a strong smell to this medicinal herb, which may deter bugs, but is non-toxic to animals, birds, plants, and humans. Neem oil is most effective when sprayed on young plants, where it lasts for about 22 days. Mix some neem oil with some liquid soap and warm water, and stir slowly. Add it to a spray bottle and use it immediately.

Salt Spray: Salt spray is one of the easiest and most natural ways to make pesticides at home. Not only does it help deter pests, but it will also help increase nutrient absorption, such as magnesium, and help plants absorb essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and sulphur. First, add some salt to the water and stir the solution well. Then, add it to a spray bottle and spray it on the plants. As well as salting your plants, it would help if you reapplied them every week.

Onion and Garlic Spray: Add water to one clove of garlic and one medium onion. Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of liquid soap after letting it sit for a while. Then use it on your plants to prevent bugs from infesting your produce.

Eucalyptus Oil: The pungent smell of eucalyptus oil repels insects. It only takes a few sprays of oil on your plants to see the results. So make sure you use it.

Tobacco Spray: Tobacco spray is toxic to humans, but it was once used as a pesticide to kill caterpillars, aphids, and other pests. Mix one cup of organic tobacco into a gallon of water to create the spray. Let the mixture sit overnight. The mix should have a light brown color after 24 hours. In case the water is very dark, add more water. The compound works on just about any plant except for those belonging to the family of Solanaceae (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.)

Soap, Orange Citrus Oil, & Water: Add three tablespoons of liquid Castile soap to 1 gallon of water to make a natural pesticide. Add three tablespoons of liquid castile soap to one gallon of water to make a natural pesticide. Shake well. It is a highly effective treatment against slugs and can also be sprayed directly on ants and roaches.

Soap Spray: A soap spray is very similar to an oil spray, which is also effective at controlling mites, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and other tiny insects. Mix one and one-half teaspoons of mild liquid soap (such as castile soap) with one quart of water, and spray the mixture directly on the infected surfaces of the plants. An oil spray pesticide works similarly to a soap spray insecticide.

Chilli Pepper Spray: Chili pepper spray is a natural insect repellent that is similar to garlic spray. Chilli spray can be made from either fresh hot peppers or chili powder. Prepare Chilli spray by mixing 1/4 tbsp of pepper powder with a quart of water and a few drops of mild liquid soap.  You can use these mixtures of full strength on the leaves of affected plants. Fresh Chilli peppers can be transformed into Chilli spray by blending or pureeing one-half cup with one cup of water, adding one quart of water, and boiling. After letting incredible, strain out the Chilli material, add a few drops of liquid soap and spray as desired.

Watering the terrace garden:

Early morning or late afternoon water is best (if possible in the morning). Plants need morning water so they can stay moist throughout the day. If you are unable to water your plants in the morning, water them in the afternoon. Afternoons should not be too hot when you’re drowning. It should also give leaves enough time to dry if they are wet. It would be best if you never watered your plants when the sun is over your head. Excess water evaporation is caused by heat.

Water only when the soil is dry. It’s not necessary to water just for the sake of it. Check the soil with your finger to see if it needs watering. If you can feel the moisture in the air, then there is no need to water the plants. Watering too much will lead to nutrient loss as well as water loss.

During the summer, drooping leaves can often be seen during the day. In such a case, don’t rush to water your plant. It would help if you instead used your finger to test for moisture. Only use water if the moisture has evaporated. In any other case, leave the plant. After sunset, the leaves will spring back to life. Drooping leaves are caused by faster leaf evaporation than the roots’ ability to pump moisture to them. Do not water unnecessarily.

Essential tools required to grow vegetables in the Terrace garden

Some essential tools required for a terrace garden are;

  • Garden scissors.
  • Hand gloves.
  • Garden cultivator.
  • Hand trowel.
  • Garden sheers.
  • Pressure water sprayer.
  • Hand fork.

Commonly asked questions for terrace garden

What are the main advantages of terrace gardening?

We can get pesticide-free, fresh, and green fruits and vegetables. And it will reduce the total heat absorption of buildings and insulate them against heat. A terrace garden is a great place to get fresh air, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. In addition, terrace gardens release more oxygen into the atmosphere.

What are the requirements for a terrace garden?

The main requirements for a terrace garden are a Plan of floor layout, waterproofing for the floor, prepared soil, plant containers, seeds, watering tools.

What to do before setting terrace garden?

The roof of a house will be used as a terrace garden. Water Proof with appropriate waterproof floor devoid from the bleed and leak for enough waiting.

 During which months should I plant vegetables? 

  • January: (Dec, Jan): Eggplant, Chili, Tomatoes, Bitter gourd, Pumpkin, Radishes, and Greens.
  • February: (Jan, Feb): Eggplant, Chili, Tomato, Bitter gourd, Okra, Cluster bean, Greens.
  • March: (Feb, Mar): Okra, Bitter gourd, Tomatoes.
  • April: (Mar, Apr): Plant drumstick, Carrot, Cluster bean, Tomatoes, Okra.
  • May: (Apr, May): Eggplant, Carrot, Tomatoes, Cluster bean.
  • June: (May, Jun): Tomato, Pumpkin, Spinach, Okra, Eggplant.
  • July: (Jun, Jul): Chili, Bitter gourd, Carrot, Pumpkin, Capsicum, Radish, Okra, Cluster, and Tomatoes.
  • August: (Jul, Aug): Radish, Capsicum, Bitter gourd, Chili, Okra.
  • September: (August, September) Capsicum,  Eggplant, Radish, Spinach, Ribbed gourd, Pumpkin
  • October: (September, October) Eggplant, Radish, Capsicum.
  • November: (Oct, Nov), Eggplant, Carrot, Tomato, Radish, Pumpkin.
  • December: (Nov, Dec), Eggplant, Tomatoes, Capsicum, Pumpkin, Radish, Chili, and Vegetables Are Grown.

How can we protect Terrace Gardens during the summer?

You could do wonders for your plants by creating a temporary shade over your garden during summer. As a result, the plants are protected from harsh sun rays. However, there is still a need to defend seasonal plants from direct sunlight, even if they grow well in summer.

What are some places where a terrace garden can be started?

Terrace gardens can be created with commercial hubs, residential flats, individual houses, warehouses, and factories.

Are the plant roots dangerous for the building?

If you choose plants with fibrous roots, roots will cause no harm to your building. When you choose plants with taproot systems, the roots may penetrate the roof and damage the building.

Is it safe to grow food on the roof?

Yes, it is safe to grow food on the roof, and if the conditions are favorable, you can quickly expect a minimum of 6 vegetables per season.

What is the best way to waterproof a terrace garden?

  • Prepare the surface for construction by raking loose concrete from the construction joints.
  • Waterproof polymer coatings are available in liquid form like paint.
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Author: Jagdish

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