Terrace gardens have gained popularity in various cities in India among people looking to grow their own vegetables, keep their houses cooler, and live in a green environment. Many people today use their balconies, roof terraces, and other places to build a green space full of vegetables, herbs, or flowers. At the same time, many new enthusiasts often get disappointed in just a few months after starting their gardening journey as their plants start dying, water leaks appear, or caring for their garden feels like an unbearable responsibility. According to professionals, the main mistake that leads to disappointment is haste; gardening requires some time and knowledge. Here are six common mistakes many Indians make while beginning terrace gardening.
Beginning with too many plants at once
The most common mistake made by new terrace gardeners is trying to create a large garden immediately after watching some videos on YouTube. Usually, beginners buy many pots, plants, and seeds, thinking about growing dozens of different greens on the terrace right away. As a consequence, people face difficulties maintaining all of the plants and caring for them daily since each species requires specific watering and fertilization. Experts advise starting with a smaller garden, containing only some easy-to-grow plants.
Not calculating sunlight on a specific terrace
Various terraces receive varying amounts of sunlight according to buildings nearby, location, and seasonal changes. Newbies often forget to think about this aspect and place vegetables or flowering plants randomly on the roof terrace. As a result, sun-loving plants do not receive enough light or delicate ones cannot stand excessive sunlight during midday or afternoon hours. Calculating sunlight hours is considered extremely important for successful gardening.
Creating problems with poor drainage
Problems with water accumulation cause many difficulties in terrace gardens. Pots with excess water may cause leakage, mold growth, and other problems that affect the entire house structure. In addition, many new gardeners try to give their plants too much water without letting extra liquid flow through drainage holes. Professionals advise planting in lightweight plastic pots with appropriate holes and waterproofing the house roof terrace beforehand.
Choosing inappropriate plants for Indian weather
Beginners often buy some fancy and attractive plants without thinking about their suitability to grow in the hot Indian climate. Many plants from cooler countries simply cannot stand the heat of Indian summers. According to gardeners' advice, it is recommended to start with some local hardy plants like chilli, okra, basil, curry leaf, spinach, or marigold. Such plants adjust to the Indian climate well and require less care.
Overwatering plants because of enthusiasm
The majority of inexperienced gardeners believe that they need to water their plants daily to keep them healthy. However, some species may be sensitive to excessive watering or even suffer because of it. In addition, there are some drought-resistant plants which may die because of too much liquid. It is considered crucial to know the requirements of particular types of vegetation before watering them.
Forgetting about long-term maintenance of plants
The most common mistake is that new gardeners underestimate their future responsibilities regarding their rooftop garden. They usually think that buying some pretty plants will help to keep the house cooler during summer and enjoy homegrown food. However, they forget that they will have to constantly maintain their plants and protect them from external factors.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and gardening awareness purposes only. Terrace gardening results may vary depending on climate, sunlight exposure, rooftop structure, waterproofing, drainage systems, plant selection, and maintenance practices. Improper installation, excessive weight, or poor drainage may cause structural or water leakage issues in some buildings. Readers are advised to consult horticulture experts, structural engineers, building authorities, or professional gardeners before setting up large rooftop or terrace gardens.
