- 1). Check the level of sunlight on the rooftop every one to two hours during a sunny day to determine if there is sufficient sunlight to grow vegetables. Vegetables require at least six hours of sunshine.
- 2). Examine the rooftop structure. Beyond seeking permission from building management to start a rooftop garden, the stability and design of the roof needs to inspected. Can the roof support the weight of planters plus wet soil? Are there adequate drains or is the roof sloped properly to allow for water runoff? If there isn't a water spigot on the rooftop, have other options been reviewed like pulling a garden hose up from ground level (only if the roof is of a one story building), having the rooftop plumbed for water, installing rain barrels or transporting water with watering cans (only suitable for a small garden)?
- 3). Determine the area to be used and purchase the sturdy plastic wading pools (not inflatable) needed to fill the desired area. Allow for at least 3 feet walking space around each pool. Wading pools are typically 4 to 6 feet in diameter and 12 to 15 inches tall. Either height will provide sufficient rooting area for annual flowers and most vegetables; a 15-inch-tall pool will be better for tomatoes and perennial flowers, which root deeper than other flowers and vegetables.
- 4). Drill drain holes 1/2 inch in diameter around the lower circumference of the pool. The holes should be about 2 inches from the bottom of the pool and spaced every 12 to 18 inches apart. The lower 2 inches of the pool will become a reservoir from which the soil can wick water as needed.
- 5). Place the pool in the desired location and fill to about 2 inches from the top with potting soil. Mix in 1 inch of organic matter, like compost or leaf mold, if desired.
- 6). Plant seeds or seedling plants in the spring according to the nursery directions. Water regularly. The pool planters may need to be watered twice on hot, sunny days if the soil is not moist 2 inches down.
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