Pollution has contaminated the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. We can protect the environment as well as our bodies by planting plants…. It may be a minor contribution to the environment, but it can assist us in leading a more fulfilling life. However, the vast majority of us live in apartments and buildings with no agricultural grounds or gardens in which to raise plants. You may solve this problem by creating a green space directly in your own house, on your terrace or balcony. Terraces receive plenty of sunlight, and gardening is calming and helps you connect with nature. This garden will also absorb carbon dioxide, reducing the heat in your home’s surroundings. Spend only a half-hour in the morning and a half-hour in the evening looking to your plants. You may grow beautiful trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, and even your own vegetables, all of which are pesticide-free and organic.

Here, tips and steps for terrace gardening

1.Plant the layout

• You can create a terrace garden in one of two ways: you can cover the entire surface with soil to create a lawn, or you can use plant pots to grow plants in.
• Because a terrace has fewer square feet than a typical garden, it is vital to arrange the space usage correctly.
• Look for regions that are shaded, as well as areas that receive sunlight for the most of the day. If you’re going to have a sitting area on the terrace, decide where it will go.
• Plants need to be sheltered from direct sunshine in the summer, and you may do so by creating a shade. Choose a location for this.

2. Choose your plants

• To grow, start with something small.
• If you want to cultivate veggies, start with those that grow quickly and take little effort, such as coriander, fenugreek, chilli, capsicum, and so on.
• Fibre-rooted plants are generally preferred.
• If your terrace has pillars, you can use them to support climbers such as bottle gourds and cucumbers.
• Begin with jasmine, periwinkle, lavender, rosemary, primrose, and other terrace gardening plants.

3. Water-resistance

• One crucial step is to make the terrace’s flooring water-proof / water-resistant so that watering plants does not cause harm to the building.
• It’s a simple technique with a variety of water-proofing materials from which to choose.
• An insulation layer must be placed over the waterproofing layer to protect it.

4. Soil preparation

• The soil should be chosen based on the plants you want to grow. Basically, create a highly rich soil with adequate moisture and minerals.
• Check the pH of the soil and add some compost, vermicompost, or other organic matter to the mix.
• It’s available in any local nursery or on the internet.
• Alternatively, you can purchase the components, make your own compost (ideally household compost), and mix the soil.

5. Containers or pots for plants

• For your garden, you can utilise a variety of pots. To decorate the garden, use earthen pots, cement pots, grow bags, or hanging pots in a variety of forms, sizes, and colours.
• You may also grow plants in old paint boxes, wooden crates, broken buckets, cooking utensils, and coconut shells.

6. Seeds

• Either purchase seeds or use the seeds from the vegetables you purchase. Examine the characteristics of the plants you intend to develop.

7. Additional needs and watering

• Plants should be watered on a regular basis (according to the season: twice a day in summer, once a day in winter, after 2-3days in rainy season). For a fast and healthy plant growth, apply insecticides and fertilisers.
• Use kitchen trash, cow manure, and other organic fertilisers if you want 100 percent organic growth.
• A terrace garden is simple to start. You must keep it in good condition by watering it properly, inspecting it for pests, and fertilising it. Simply put aside one hour per day to create a stunning terrace garden for yourself.