When you’re living in a condo or townhouse in the city, outdoor space can be hard to come by. That’s why it’s so exciting that the rooftop and deck gardening trend has taken off in the last few years. Here are three simple tips to help you on your new adventures into urban gardening:

1.Consult with the property manager

It’s not our job to get in your way, but depending on what kinds of plants you’re planning to grow and the size of your planned garden, you’ll want to check with us to make sure that the structure can support the weight and there are no other issues.

2. Mind the drainage

When you’ve got plants in containers, whether you’re watering them or it’s raining, you need to make sure that the water ends up being channeled in the appropriate place rather than pooling under your garden and causing damage to the underlying structure.

3. Watch out for wind

We live in the windy city after all, where wind is an actual concern if you garden is up high enough. You don’t want gusts of wind to keep down your plants. Structures like trellises, lattice fencing, or other wind barriers can protect your plants from the worst of Chicago’s winds.
If you’re still not sure how to go about setting up your deck or rooftop garden, the gardening store where you pick up your equipment will likely have some good tips for you. And never underestimate the amount of inspiration available online!