Home Terrace Farming: Types, Benefits, and Its Role in India

Terrace farming is becoming progressively well known among people. Understood about the importance of sustainability, nutrition, and use of its natural resources. Home rooftop farming has been identified as an exciting and impactful activity. In a world where many of its inhabitants are settling in urban areas. Creating green spaces on rooftops for farming gives residents an opportunity for a satisfied lifestyle.

In India, where approximately half of the population resides in urban areas. It is not just a gardening trend. It is about collaboration with nature on a rooftop. In this blog you will understand the types and benefits of farming.

What Is Home Terrace Farming?

Terrace farming at home is the practice of growing plants on rooftops using containers, grow bags, raised beds, or vertical systems. It replaces land with creativity. But people are trying to take control of what they eat. In cities where land is expensive and space is limited. The terrace becomes the only option left, and it works.

Types of Terrace Farming

1. Vertical Farming:

This method is used by those who do not have land space for farming. Vertical farming is a process of planters like

• Hanging pots.
• Wall-mounted.

It’s efficient and visually impressive. Herbs do especially well here. Mint, Tulsi, Lettuce. Balconies love this method. Small spaces suddenly feel alive.

2. Multi-Level Farming:

Making a terrace with plant shelves is known as multi-level planters and shelves. These shelves will be made of wood or steel. When we go with steel, it is more durable compared with wood. When going with wood, it is easy to lift and strong as well. Make steps of shelves with a measurable height for your plant for terrace farming. Arranging plants like large pots on the floor, average-sized ones on shelves and small ones in hanging pots on a rod.

3. Hanging Plant Terrace Farming:

Don’t forget to utilise the upper-level space to hang some plants. Use hanging pots to fix it on the ceiling or rail. Make sure it is durable or not. If you have a strong holding space. You can hang some small plants on that. Like pothos, flowers and herbs.

4. Use Corners and Nooks:

In Terrace farming, there was a corner space in every square surface. Which is not noticed by anyone. We generally used to put one pot on the corner to utilise that space. But we can use a variety of corner shelves to arrange different plants. Also, we can use indoor corner space to use this trick.

5. Container Gardening:

Choosing the right container is important for farming. If you are living in an apartment, do not worry; a balcony is enough for farming. The only thing you have to do is select a compact container for your nature space. You can use these types of containers:

• Window boxes
• Plastic Planters

Analyse the container size and durability. It will help to select what kind of pot you need. Also, you have to check it is ok for the large root system of the plant. For example, a tomato plant needs a large-sized pot. Mint or tulsi plants need a small pot.

6. Decorate with Mirror:

Sky is the end of decorating with nature. Give additional greenery space by reflection. It will help to maintain the great ambience of your terrace farming. Fixing reflective materials to elaborate your garden for more visibility. You can fix it on high walls or hang it on anchors to expand the visibility of your real garden.

7. Using Floor Container:

Terrace farming with containers is a traditional activity of Indians.
There is a variety of containers available in the market:

Window Box:

• Which is easy to carry.
• Compact space.
• Easy to lift or move to another place.

Clay Pots:

• Effective for plant growth
• Have to maintain gently.
• It allows air to the roots of the plant.

Plastic Pots:

• Weigh less.
• Easy to lift.
• It was available in a customised size.

8. Grow Bag Terrace Farming:

Planting in a grow bag will reduce your expense of terrace gardening. Very flexible and durable for gardening.

This grow bag is also used on:

• Balcony gardening
• Urban gardening
• Vegetable gardening
• Office decorations

9. Raised Bed Farming:

The soil is elevated above ground level and typically enclosed in some way. This type of farming is known as raised bed terrace farming. The raised bed structure will be made of wood or concrete. Which is used to decorate the entrance of schools, colleges and offices.

10. Hydroponic Farming:

The method of soil-less plant growing system is known as hydroponic farming. Nowadays, Indian people are focusing on this hydroponic farming. Because we can farm without soil. It consumes 90% less water compared with traditional farming. Grow faster than normal gardening. Low maintenance and cost-efficient.

Benefits of Terrace Farming

1. Increase food production: Planting fruits and vegetables on rooftops will increase Indian food production. Utilising our free rooftop space for farming can easily increase productivity.
2. Reduce Food Cost: We are farming our own food so that we can reduce costs from buying these. Also, we can eat 100% natural food.
3. Reduce Energy Consumption: When we maintain our terrace with plants. It will protect from heat absorption. We can feel the chilliness. So that we do not use any electrical cooling machines. Control the environment temperature and reduce water usage.
4. Enhance air quality: Terrace farming plays the main role in controlling air pollution. Also, it produces oxygen (O₂) for human beings.
5. Improve aesthetic look: Rooftop farming improves cool visuals for our home. It comes with natural benefits. It gives a unique feel of constructing a strong home with nature.

Maintenance of Terrace Farming

1. Watering: To be consistent in growing plants on the rooftop. We should water the plants 2 times per day. Before that we have to waterproof our ceiling. Sealing our terrace with waterproofing paint or solutions is mandatory. 
2. Feeding: Water is for most of the plants. Also, we can add some fertilisers. Like vegetable waste, eggshells, etc.
3. Pruning: Some flower plants are grown more by cutting some small parts. Like flower plants and others also.
4. Pest Control: We have to make regular inspections of the plant. There are insects or something else unusual in your plant. Analyse what kind of changes happened on the plant. Find the exact reason for that. Spread the right pesticide with the right measurement.

Conclusion

Don’t rush or don’t force to start terrace farming. Start with two pots; it will give pleasure to do more than that. Creating an eco-friendly environment on a rooftop is not tough. It’s just like the daily habit of bathing and brushing. We are part of maintaining the nature of earth.