Is rooftop gardening possible?

[keep55]

Hey friends,

I have a relative that manages parking garages downtown and we've been having discussions about an urban garden on unused roofs of a garage. I'm new to gardening, only started last summer, so I'm hoping people here can lend their knowledge to what could be a pretty cool nonprofit project!

The project would be in smack downtown Indianapolis, 7 floors up. The roof is 100% exposed to sunlight. We can have access to the building and elevators to tend to the gardens, transport water, etc. as much as necessary. Is there a reason this wouldn't work?

As far as the actual gardens, our favorite idea so far is to build Ikea Growroom spheres (Google Ikea growroom) right on the roof. They might need to be customized, or we can also use typical planter boxes depending on what we grow. If you think the spheres are a no-go I'm completely open to hearing alternate ideas.

All produce will feed food-insecure kids at inner city schools!

If any seasoned gardeners are willing to give input on why "rooftop farming" may or may not work I'd be very grateful. Before it moves any further I want to think through all the potential problems. And if you'd like to contribute more or join the team please don't hesitate to message me!

Thanks!

 

[Meadowlark]

Absolutely it will work. You have sun and water and couple that with good compost rich soil, that will be a successful garden.

Some plants do better than others in containers so selectivity will improve your success rate.

 

[keep55]

Absolutely it will work. You have sun and water and couple that with good compost rich soil, that will be a successful garden.

Some plants do better than others in containers so selectivity will improve your success rate.

Thanks for the feedback! The more I think about it the more I think we'll do containers.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I've seen quite a few rooftop garden videos on youtube. You may want to search them for some inspiration and/or ideas.

 

[Chuck]

Sure it will work. I don't know about the growrooms but any type of container will work as long as it drains. They are all over NYC

 

[zigs]

It'll work, but bear in mind the extra weight that it'll put on the roof. A cubic metre of wet soil weighs about a tonne.

Welcome to the forum BTW

 

[roadrunner]

One thing that must be a concern is trapped moisture.

I have an oak tree that drops tons of leaves on my roof that didn't get my attention because I was away in the Navy; however, after retiring in 2005 and moving back here in Florida, I cleaned the roof only to find my roof needed replacing due to the pile of leaves had basically composted and turned into soil and all the little microbes that grow in compost/soil eat away at roof tiling.

I can see the same issue with containers trapping moisture between them and the roof.

I'd be interested to see how that issue is addressed in the various designs....

 

[Arden Sage]

I can see the same issue with containers trapping moisture between them and the roof.

Hmm ... maybe raising any pots up from the roof .. using "pot feet" ... it would create and airflow so any moisture would evaporate and not be left sitting on the roofing material? Just a thought.

 

[alp]

Absolutely possible. Just need some plants which can withstand the microclime on your rooftop. You can even grow tomatoes and strawberries there. Need something to anchor the pots and roots. You don't want to see your pots flying around like a meteor!

 

[roadrunner]

Hmm ... maybe raising any pots up from the roof .. using "pot feet" ... it would create and airflow so any moisture would evaporate and not be left sitting on the roofing material? Just a thought.

Yes, you can do that, but then the weight issue is magnified, by reducing surface area to support all the weight. So, I'm kind of curious how much that will reduce the garden area?...

 

[Sean Regan]

It worked for Derry and Thoms, a former Knightsbridge store, the building is now used for offices of different companies. The garden is "listed" so has to be preserved.

 

[Chuck]

25 Rooftop Gardens That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

Just in time for spring, these rooftop gardens convene aesthetics, environmentalism and urban savvy into one stunning package.

allthatsinteresting.com

Best rooftop gardens and urban farms in NYC including Gallow Green

When you need a dose of natural beauty, track down one of the best rooftop gardens and farms tucked away in NYC's concrete jungle

www.timeout.com

 

[Esther Knapicius]

one would think the "right" roof first is top importance. whatever that is.

 

[alp]

Re @Sean Regan 's video. A most famous one in London is in South Kensington. The rooftop garden must have a specialist treatment as it actually has a canal where you could enjoy wood ducks swimming around.

Kensington Roof Gardens - Google Search

www.google.com

A feast for the eyes. I used to work in South Kensington and never knew of its existence. Might go there for a very expensive cup of tea and snap some pics in the summer.

 

[Tjohn]

Mine are on tables....should work for you