How to Make a Roof Garden

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By Meri Rees
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Make a Roof Garden

Europe has enjoyed the beauty and charm of roof gardens for centuries. Now, more and more Americans are experimenting with this concept to insulate buildings, improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions. Roof plantings can also provide a longer growing period for food gardens as the soil retains heat and is closer to the sun. Experiment with a small garden on a dog house or shed with these directions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

waterproof liner
drainage gravel
growing medium and soil
plants
fabric filter

Step 1

Check to make sure the pitch of your roof is no more than 30 degrees and that the roof can sustain the additional weight of the garden. In cold climates, take into account snow weight in winter as well.
Step 2

Encase the roof with a waterproofing membrane such as thermoplastic sheeting or rubberized asphalt. Wet the roof to make sure there are no leaks before going to the next step.
Step 3

Garden in the Woods shed- Framingham, Mass.

If the roof is sloped, you may want to divide the roof with wood to make smaller squares and rectangles to plant in.
Step 4

Add a drainage layer using a combination of granular materials such as tiny gravel, crushed charcoal or filter fabric.
Step 5

Add growing medium and soil layer up to eight inches deep. Start with a soil mixture that will feed the plants.
Step 6

Plant your roof garden with a diverse variety of plants for seasonal eye appeal. Try mosses, ivy, phlox and small ferns. On full sun roofs try sedum varieties, sedge or hen and chicks. Tuck in chives or other easy care herbs as well.
Step 7

Remember, roof gardens are not "plant and go" gardens. They will require attention from time to time with weeding, watering and pruning.

Comments

gahazeleyes said

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on 6/11/2009 This is really cool. Thanks for sharing.

felixthecat said

on 6/10/2009 Very nice article. I want a roof garden now!

xrayness said

on 6/2/2009 A roof garden is a great idea. Thank you for sharing this information about growing a roof garden. Your contributions to this website makes belonging to the eHow community worthwhile. Please keep writing more "How To" articles.