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Urban centers are far from the green expanses of the suburbs. However, just because you have only a small patio or rooftop to call your own doesn't mean you can't have a lovely garden. It's not difficult to add life and greenery to your small outdoor space. With a few large pots and bags of potting soil, you can grow beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables.
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Morning gloryLimited space means you have to make the most of the area you have. Climbing plants like grapes, morning glories, sweet peas, Japanese honeysuckle and wisteria make great additions to a patio or rooftop garden. Drape them over the side of the roof or wrap them around a pole. - You don't need a lot of space to get a lot of impact with flowers. Attach flower boxes to the wall or surround the area with long, rectangular boxes filled with flowers. Plant annuals such as zinnias, marigolds and begonias in the spring and they'll bloom into early fall.
- Many varieties of trees come in miniature forms, yet they bear fruit just like their big brothers and sisters. Consider planting them in large containers on your rooftop or patio. Keep their branches trimmed back.
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BasilGrow herbs. They don't take up much room. A group of small pots or one large container can hold a lot of basil, rosemary and mint. -
Rose plantPlanting in long borders and containers means you can fit in a large variety of plants and frame your patio or rooftop at the same time. Fill borders and containers with flowers or herbs or a combination of the two for color and function. - Some planters can be mounted on a wall. However, keep in mind where the water will fall when they drain. Fill them with flowers or herbs.
- If you have a roof-like structure or beams, you can hang plants from them. Use ferns and cascading flowering plants for a tropical effect.
- Placing an array of plants on a table is gaining popularity in urban centers. On the top, grow plants that need lots of sunshine, such as tomatoes and bell peppers. Underneath, place pots containing plants that prefer shade, such as parsley and impatiens.
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Tomato plantCherry tomatoes and even regular tomatoes such as Early Girl can easily be grown in pots. Other vegetables that grow well on patios and rooftops are bell peppers, Japanese eggplants and cucumbers. Use wooden or metal trellises to support plants such as tomatoes or peas. As the plants grow taller, tie them to the trellis with twine. - While this is the most expensive option, it is also one of the most rewarding. A small greenhouse can be built on a sizable patio or a small roof, and it can yield fresh produce and flowers year-round.
