How to turn a balcony or a terrace into a small garden?

How to turn a balcony or a terrace into a small garden?

Everyone loves to live in the lap of nature. But in today’s era with an increasing rise in population, the balance between the environments is at an alarming stage. The cities are getting over crowded with more and more houses and less greenery. The life in urban cities is getting lost in cemented jungles as we are sacrificing our precious lands for building homes, parking lots and industrial sites. It is harsh and sad truth to say that a few very few cities are actually suitable for the well being of a person. The lesser the number of trees, the more we are closer to diseases. The nature lovers, who wish to live near their mother earth, are forced to enjoy the nature’s glory in city parks and gardens. So shall we lose hope and just depend on city parks for fresh air?? Well, this is not a pleasing idea. Thanks to the person who came with the idea of turning our balconies or terrace into a small garden. Terrace or balcony gardens are the recent trends in urban cities that are not only contributing to beautify our homes but also fulfilling the dreams of nature lovers. Now people can sip their morning coffees sitting near their favorite plants in their own mini gardens without losing a single penny for extra land.

Pre-requirements for a terrace garden

Before starting the work, we must know the basic steps regarding our gardens. Here are some points which will prove beneficial for us.

The main motive of your garden

So what do you actually want from your garden?? If it is just meant to be for decorative purpose then ornamental plants are the key option. But you want to be more productive, then you can choose herbs or other food plants.

 Direction of plants

It is better to grow vegetables in Western or Southern face to have sufficient sunlight. In case of the warm topical climate in the area, it is necessary to provide afternoon shade to vegetables.

Size up your space

Before planning anything about your garden, one must analyze how much space he actually has for the garden. If the space is small, then it must be utilized for small potted plants. But if it is large enough, then it can be used for both farming and decorative purpose.

Spacing and seating arrangement for viewing garden

Nothing can be more pleasing than sitting in the lap of nature and performing your favorite leisure activity. So if your garden is meant for aesthetic purpose, adequate space for sitting and taking a walk should be provided. Space for a bench and a chair should be maintained according to the need.

If your garden is giving you fruits and veggies, sufficient pathway must be provided to walk amongst the rows of the plants. This will ensure proper inspection of the quality and the needs of the plants also.

A Strong Roof

The most important key factor for maintaining a terrace or balcony garden is the roof. A strong roof is the key foundation for the success of you hard work. Beams and pillars must be installed to strengthen the roof. Make sure that your roof can bear the weight of the plants you wish to grow.

If you wish to grown trees and veggies, make your roof must be waterproof enough to hold the water retained in the soil. For that, the base must be coated with layers of coal tar and other waterproofing materials to avoid any leakage into the home.

But if you are opting for a regular garden with just pots, then no extra efforts are required. If you are not sure about the quality of your roof, you can hire a professional to assess the strength. 

A Proper Drainage System

Another important thing to be kept in mind is proper drainage system. Proper pipelines must be installed and thorough inspection must be done on regular intervals. Even a small blockage can put your months of hard work into stake.

Adequate sunlight for the plants

Like humans, plants also have their own needs and comforts. If these are not fulfilled, their growth is hampered resulting in inadequate quality. Some of them include proper sunlight.

For the survival of the plants, sunlight is the main source. Plants need sunlight for performing photosynthesis to consume carbon dioxide which is their main morning FOOD!!

Some plants require more sunlight exposure whereas plants like Aloe Vera grow very well in shady areas. Hence this factor also must be kept in mind.

Rich organic soil

A good quality Soil is the heart of the gardens. It lays a strong foundation for the growth of plants. Plants fail to thrive into the urban nutrient deficient soils. An ideal soil requires availability of proper nutrients, proper moisture and regular vermi compost in adequate quantities. This requirement is important for both sandy and clay soil according to the plants selected.

Selection of plants

Another very popular option is the prevalence of beautiful potted plants. They are available in different shapes colors and sizes, highly affordable, these pots can be used to plant the most beautiful and vibrant flowering plants adding zest, life and life to your garden

Tips for maintaining your Garden

Sunlight

A terrace garden must be exposed to at least four to six hours sunlight daily for the proper growth of plants. In areas of excessive sunlight, plants can be shielded by using green clothes or making temporary sheds. Avoid overexposure as it can lead to dryness and even death of plants.

Watering

It is recommended to water the plants early in the morning as they need it to perform the photosynthesis. During summers, make sure you water the plants twice a day to compensate the loss due to transpiration. However in winters, there is less loss of moisture so watering once in a week is also enough. Avoid watering daily during rainy season.  Always remember that excess watering leads to loss of nutrients and oxygen and can harm the growth of plants.

Soil Quality

Soil must be reinforced with nutrients every week as it tends to lose its quality with time. The area should be ploughed sufficiently and fertilizers must be added to enrich its value. We can make organic fertilizers by adding manure, cow dung, dead leaves and even left over kitchen foods!! Special care must be taken during rainy season as it tends to wash away the nutrients.

Fencing

Adding fences to your garden transforms it into a more organized region. It also keeps different varieties of plants separated from each other.

Trimming and pruning

Seems weird, but plants also need proper grooming like we humans do. Trimming and pruning not only keep plants in proper shape but also promote their health and well being. Dead leaves and stems must be removed regularly to glorify their beauty.

Pest Control

Plants attract a certain number of insects around them. These culprits not only destroy the plants but also hamper the beauty of our gardens. Proper pesticides must be sprayed regularly to protect the plants. One of the best ways is to hang bird houses in your gardens which not only provide shelter to the birds but these birds act as natural pesticides by feeding on them.

Weeding

Weeds are the most prominent enemies of gardens. They steal up the essential nutrients from the soil and hamper the growth. One must regularly check the garden and remove the weeds either manually or by using chemicals. But make sure that those chemicals don’t harm the desired plants. 

Your beautiful garden is the eye catcher of your pretty home. So sit back with your family and nurture the beauty of your home!!