If you are planning to initiate a terrace garden in your house, it is a great way to add a lot of greenery to your home while you make the most of your outdoor space. If you want to grow a lot of vegetables, herbs, or flowers, then developing a terrace garden can prove to be a fulfilling & rewarding experience. You may follow the following ten simple steps that turn your terrace into a lush, green haven:
- Assessing the Available Space
You can start by thoroughly evaluating your terrace space. You need to determine at what amount of sunlight your terrace receives, as most of the plants require five to six hours of sunlight every day. You may identify the shaded areas on your terrace where you can place the plants that need less light.
- Plan the Layout
You may decide on a layout that likely maximizes the usage of your terrace. Consider using the vertical planters, shelves, or the hanging baskets to save a lot of space. You may sketch a rough design in order to facilitate you arrange your plants efficiently.
- Choose the Right Plants
You ought to select plants that suit the prevailing climate in your area and the amount of sunlight that is available. Specifically, for beginners, easy-to-grow plants like basil, tomatoes, mint, & flowering plants like petunias and marigolds are great options.
- Invest in Functionally and Aesthetically Pleasant Containers
You may choose containers that have proper and adequate drainage holes to prevent the issue of waterlogging. You can use various kinds of pots, wooden planters, or even certain recycled containers like old buckets.
- Use Quality Soil
You may invest in the highest quality potting soil that is well-draining & rich in nutrients. Adding the right amount of organic compost to the soil will very well ensure that your plants get the necessary and required nutrients to thrive.
- Propagate Flowering Plants
For a blooming terrace, you must consider propagating the flowering plants. For instance, you can propagate roses from the cuttings. Snip a healthy stem & plant it in a small pot with moist soil. Place it in a shaded spot until the roots develop.
Similarly, in case of jasmine, it can be propagated by layering. Bend a low branch, pin it to the soil, and then allow it to root before cutting it from the parent plant.
- Set Up a Good Watering System
Proper watering is very essential. You may consider setting up a drip irrigation system for ease, or water your plants manually with a hose or watering can. It largely ensures that the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize Regularly
Use the different effective organic fertilizers like compost or vermi-compost to nourish your plants. Fertilize your garden every few weeks to keep your plants healthy and encourage growth.
- Add the Desired Mulch
The process of mulching helps retains the moisture of the soil and keeps weeds at bay. You may use organic mulch like leaves, straw, bark to cover the surface of the soil.
- Maintain Your Garden
You may regularly check your plants for the pests & diseases. You necessarily need to prune dead leaves & branches in order to encourage newer growth and keep your terrace garden looking neat & beautiful.
By following the above-mentioned simple steps &, at the same time, propagating flowering plants, you can create a completely thriving, fulfilling terrace garden that brings a lot of beauty & relaxation to your home. With the right level of patience & care, your terrace will indeed become a green retreat that you will love to spend time in!
