Slow Growing Veg for Flat Roof

[CarolineW]

We have a flat roof outside of our bedroom window - it would be easy to get onto by climbing out of our window. I never grow slow growing crops like kale and Brussels sprouts because my garden is too small to accommodate them over the summer, and it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps I could use our flat roof for growing them until Autumn, then plant them out in the garden for the winter/spring harvest. Does anyone have any experience of doing this who could advise me as to whether it would work, and what I should consider, please?

Also, if it is a practical option, are there any other veg that you would recommend to raise on the roof?

Thanks

[Bren In Pots]

Caroline its not something I've done but I would think you'd have to check that the roof is strong enough to hold the extra weight.

[Nicos]

Sounds a great idea...be aware that walking on a felted roof might damage the seal and cause a leak underneath.

Anything is possible...reinforcing/ extra waterproofing/ drainage .....but you need to look at the weight/ waterproofing aspect first and any cost it might incur making it safe.
Raised beds/ pots will be quite heavy, so best be safe!

It may be very straight forward but it may be costly.
I would suggest you get a roofer in to take a look and maybe give you a quote.
Wall mounted beds - like narrow window boxes might lighten the load a tad too? Depends on the size/ shape of the area.

Also Have a bit of a goooogle and see what experiences other people have been through!

[CarolineW]

This was really helpful advice, thanks. I think I’ll go for attached to the wall scenario for now, and perhaps get a roofer to have a look at some point in the future.

[Nicos]

Do let us know how you get on, it’ll be inspirational to others in a similar situation!!

[Penellype]

The sort of troughs that you can get for hanging on walls or fences, lined with capillary matting, will hold several small pots. This also saves on compost and helps with weight if the whole trough is not filled with compost. I do this on my front garden fence with the ornamentals and it works well.

With regard to types of crops, as well as starting off brassicas, I've had some success with salads, dwarf french beans, herbs and strawberries in really quite small pots. What you can grow will depend on how much sun your roof gets and also how exposed it is up there - brassicas will not like it too hot and some veg, particularly those with bigger leaves, will dry out very quickly if it is very windy. It will probably be a case of trial and error.

[Plot70]

I had big pots on an ancient concrete roof at my old place and it survived.
Domestic roofs are rarely strong enough.