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RAND WATER EDITORIAL

VEGGIE GARDENS, ROOFS

AND SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT

Producing fresh, organic and healthy food does not need to be restricted by a
lack of space, a dilemma faced by many as the popularity of townhouses, flats and
apartments increases. However, a lack of space should not stop the privileges of
gardening; just look up and encourage your clients to consider rooftop gardening.

rowing ‘green roofs’ or edible unless trays are being used in which to • In areas of excessive wind, an artistically
rooftop gardens is a fairly new grow the vegetables. placed shade cloth or trellis could add an
Gconcept that is taking the world by • Make sure there is adequate drainage interesting feature to the rooftop.
storm. As the amount of space available from the roof garden to prevent the
per person decreases and the price of accumulation of water and potential Rooftop veggie gardens can be incorporated
food increases, more and more people are damage to the roof. into social upliftment or employee well-
looking at investing in home food gardens. • Take note of the pitch of the roof – a being programmes at the office. Perhaps
Besides the benefit of reduced costs and a slope that is too steep may cause plants a successful rooftop garden can be
sustainable supply of food, home-grown to slip off, while a roof that is too flat may used to supplement the office canteen
fruit and veggies are healthier and kinder to cause excess water to pool. requirements? The benefits of being able to
the environment than their mass-produced • Observe the aspect of the roof, regional harvest organic food, sustainably and with no
counterparts. climate of the area, wind and shade in threat to the environment, are considerable.
order to position the right plants in the Also, roof gardens use rainwater and in doing
While growing a food garden on your roof right place. so, prevent excessive stormwater run-off,
may be tricky, follow these steps when • Remember that weather conditions on making them Water Wise too!
considering rooftop gardens: a roof may be extreme, so choose plants
• Be sure the roof can take the extra that are able to survive and grow well For more information visit the Rand Water
weight of the soil needed for the garden in very hot, and possibly dry and windy website www.randwater.co.za and click on
– perhaps consult a structural engineer conditions. Tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, the Water Wise logo. Alternatively, email us at
before starting. lettuce, green peppers, spring onion, waterwise@randwater.co.za or call us at 0860
• An additional protective layer will need brinjals, amadumbe and chillies can be 10 10 60. We also have YouTube, Twitter, and
to be placed over your existing roof grown successfully on roofs. Facebook! n

Landscape SA • Issue 113 2022 13