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The Rooftop Growing Guide: How to Transform Your Roof into a Vegetable Garden or Farm
If you’d like to grow your own food but don’t think you have the space, look up! In urban and suburban areas across the country, farms and gardens are growing atop the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. In this accessible guide, author Annie Novak’s passion shines as she draws on her experience as a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers, and trees. The book also includes interviews, expert essays, and farm and garden profiles from across the country, so you’ll find advice that works no matter where you live. Featuring the brass tacks on green roofs, container gardening, hydroponics, greenhouse growing, crop planning, pest management, harvesting tips, and more, The Rooftop Growing Guide will have you reimagining the possibilities of your own skyline.
- GenresGardening
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
20 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 29, 2016
I might be biased (friend wrote it, my photos are in it), but I thought this book was ace.
April 4, 2017
An excellent resource. Most applicable to large-scale rooftop gardens, but even as a wouldbe small-scale container gardener, I found this had a lot of useful info for me. She goes above the 'gardening 101' basics that most of these books cover, and sprinkles in a few beautifully lyrical passages.
January 3, 2023
This isn't a page-turning thriller, but it definitely provides a TON of information, both anecdotally and factually. I love how the book takes us to different farms, showing different methods, with details all the way down to growing media and watering as well as zoning, staffing, and even buying seeds. This really is a comprehensive guide, not just for rooftop farming, but for farming/growing in general. This is one of the rare books that I got from the library then decided to purchase since I'd love to have it on hand.
May 13, 2018
although this really looked larger scale than what I am up for right now it really reviewed all the basics and also showed many variations and options which made it very inspiring. it also had some great tips from larger scale projects to ways to plant certain plants on a smaller scale.
October 8, 2018
Beautifully written and presented, and a pleasure read as well as an informative guide. Having read about Annie Novak and this project in magazines, it was satisfying to hear about why Eagle Street Rooftop Farm was such a trailblazer for commercial urban farming, and what part Novak played in getting it off the ground.
I am an admirer of people who grow food, while not being a edible gardener myself. Even so, this book's appeal was its voice for all, whether you needed the technical and administrative advice about setting up, or simply wanted to enjoy rooftop gardening vicariously. There are fun sidebars of other rooftop farms around the country, and stories of their purpose, from source produce for a single restaurant to providing produce for local farmers markets. The book delivers a community of farmers around the US demonstrating the techniques of this book, which enforces Novak's narrative and advice. I really enjoyed this book.
I am an admirer of people who grow food, while not being a edible gardener myself. Even so, this book's appeal was its voice for all, whether you needed the technical and administrative advice about setting up, or simply wanted to enjoy rooftop gardening vicariously. There are fun sidebars of other rooftop farms around the country, and stories of their purpose, from source produce for a single restaurant to providing produce for local farmers markets. The book delivers a community of farmers around the US demonstrating the techniques of this book, which enforces Novak's narrative and advice. I really enjoyed this book.
March 29, 2018
The fact of being able to grow food in the city is so empowering.
And the book actually helped me design a rooftop garden for my Agroecology course!
And the book actually helped me design a rooftop garden for my Agroecology course!
June 5, 2018
Excellent book with lots of information.
June 6, 2020
A lovely and thorough guide to how to make and maintain a garden on a roof. I appreciated how well the author Annie Novak wove pratcital instructions, storytelling, photos, and charts together.
November 11, 2022
An informative and practical guide to rooftop gardening. The boom features clearly presented introductions to various topics, and offers an ideal overview for beginners. One that I’ll revisit.
September 11, 2023
Excellent starter book for someone who knows nothing about gardens!
March 2, 2016
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by blogging for Books/10 Speed Press in exchange for an honest review.]
From time to time, although not very often [1], I collect books that deal with urban agriculture. I find a certain degree of irony in this, in that I grew up as a child of farmers and gardeners on both sides, and without any particular green thumb or driving interest in farming, I have nevertheless continued to find myself involved in agricultural efforts and seeking knowledge in such areas almost in spite of my own interests, simply because working with the soil is part of my soul and being, and because it deals with my concerns about processes and logistics, even if it is not a particularly notable talent or interest of mine. And so it was that I came to request this slightly more than 200 page book full of tables and packed with information and a certain experimental mindset that I am not fond of personally, and lots of pictures and small-scale case studies of successful rooftop farming efforts with the aim of profit, scientific research, or agricultural education for urban children whose love for dirt and life is likely no less than for their more rural peers.
In terms of its structure and contents, the book takes a strongly topical approach and would be useful for anyone contemplating an effort in urban gardening on rooftops (most of the examples shown are mostly flat in nature), of the kind that is on top of skyscrapers and apartment buildings and office buildings and the like. The book consists of eight chapters and then a short conclusion about the expected financial and educational payoff. The eight chapters of the book deal with such issues as: the desirability of using rooftops for gardens and farms given their large footprint within the area of cities, how to assess the rooftop’s suitability for different types of farming and gardening, examining containers, greenhouses, green roofs, and rooftop irrigation, examining soils and growing substances, looking at seeds and transplants, a focus on flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees, planning around the space constraints of rooftop planting, and exploring pests and organic ways of dealing with them. The book is long on photos, stories pulled from the personal experience of the author and others, and handy charts and diagrams.
Unsurprisingly, the author views urban gardening and farming as a highly political act on several different levels. For one, the author urges the readers to find out about the applicable laws for greenhouses, urban chicken farming, and urban beekeeping, and to obey those laws. This is not a book on guerrilla gardening, of which there are books, where people are urged to farm and garden sub rosa. That said, the author makes it plain that urban gardening is a political act which encourages people to understand the fact that eating is an agricultural activity, and that our lives are bettered to the extent that we are familiar with how food is grown and on the best practices for working the land, even if we happen to live in cities, so that we do not lose touch with the source of food. Personally, I find farming to be an immensely challenging and often heartbreaking task, where one’s best efforts and the harvests do not bear a close relationship because of any number of problems beyond our control. But life is a lot like that, so it is certainly practical to learn how chancy and how labor-intensive food agricultural methods are. At best, it allows us to seek mercy for ourselves, and to be more merciful to others. Even aside from logistical concerns and a desire for fresher foods and more local foods with better flavors and a better involvement with the local habitat, there are a lot of reasons to appreciate this book and the effort to make cities more green, more full of natural life, and more conducive to providing food to the eyes as well as the stomach.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
From time to time, although not very often [1], I collect books that deal with urban agriculture. I find a certain degree of irony in this, in that I grew up as a child of farmers and gardeners on both sides, and without any particular green thumb or driving interest in farming, I have nevertheless continued to find myself involved in agricultural efforts and seeking knowledge in such areas almost in spite of my own interests, simply because working with the soil is part of my soul and being, and because it deals with my concerns about processes and logistics, even if it is not a particularly notable talent or interest of mine. And so it was that I came to request this slightly more than 200 page book full of tables and packed with information and a certain experimental mindset that I am not fond of personally, and lots of pictures and small-scale case studies of successful rooftop farming efforts with the aim of profit, scientific research, or agricultural education for urban children whose love for dirt and life is likely no less than for their more rural peers.
In terms of its structure and contents, the book takes a strongly topical approach and would be useful for anyone contemplating an effort in urban gardening on rooftops (most of the examples shown are mostly flat in nature), of the kind that is on top of skyscrapers and apartment buildings and office buildings and the like. The book consists of eight chapters and then a short conclusion about the expected financial and educational payoff. The eight chapters of the book deal with such issues as: the desirability of using rooftops for gardens and farms given their large footprint within the area of cities, how to assess the rooftop’s suitability for different types of farming and gardening, examining containers, greenhouses, green roofs, and rooftop irrigation, examining soils and growing substances, looking at seeds and transplants, a focus on flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees, planning around the space constraints of rooftop planting, and exploring pests and organic ways of dealing with them. The book is long on photos, stories pulled from the personal experience of the author and others, and handy charts and diagrams.
Unsurprisingly, the author views urban gardening and farming as a highly political act on several different levels. For one, the author urges the readers to find out about the applicable laws for greenhouses, urban chicken farming, and urban beekeeping, and to obey those laws. This is not a book on guerrilla gardening, of which there are books, where people are urged to farm and garden sub rosa. That said, the author makes it plain that urban gardening is a political act which encourages people to understand the fact that eating is an agricultural activity, and that our lives are bettered to the extent that we are familiar with how food is grown and on the best practices for working the land, even if we happen to live in cities, so that we do not lose touch with the source of food. Personally, I find farming to be an immensely challenging and often heartbreaking task, where one’s best efforts and the harvests do not bear a close relationship because of any number of problems beyond our control. But life is a lot like that, so it is certainly practical to learn how chancy and how labor-intensive food agricultural methods are. At best, it allows us to seek mercy for ourselves, and to be more merciful to others. Even aside from logistical concerns and a desire for fresher foods and more local foods with better flavors and a better involvement with the local habitat, there are a lot of reasons to appreciate this book and the effort to make cities more green, more full of natural life, and more conducive to providing food to the eyes as well as the stomach.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
February 29, 2016
Title: The Rooftop Growing Guide - How to Transform Your Roof into a
Vegetable Garden or farm
Author: Annie Novak
Published: 2-16-16
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Pages: 256
Genre: Home & Garden
Sub Genre: Crafts & Hobbies;
ISBN: 9781607747086
ASIN: B00XST7VE8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Rooftop Gardening is not a new concept. It has been around over 6000 years; 4000 bc - 600 bc Mesopotamian Ziggurats (rectangular step towers sometimes surrounded by a temple); 490 bc The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Within the last 100 years or so we have the first rooftop garden in 1883 ad, which have evolved into the modern garden co-op Rooftop Gardens of today. Some are even on the rooftops of commercial buildings such as banks, supermarkets and theaters. They are run by private groups and businesses.
The Rooftop Growing Guide tells of the different types of gardens and what a prospective building requires to support them. Keep in mind that a small rooftop garden is at least 5000 square feet a weight of around 50 pounds per square foot. This books is geared to the commercial use of rooftop gardens rather than the private individual, but can still be used for that purpose as well.
Planter types, plant varieties, pest control etc. are discussed as are weather planning. There is an expense to start up this type of garden, but the rewards are thrilling. I chose this book because the idea of city dwellers could have beautiful gardens at the fingertips outside of city parks intrigued me. I found it informative and interesting. If you live in the city and are wanting to make a green place for yourself or with others then The Rooftop Garden Guide is an absolute must. It is worth its weight in gold to guide you in your new endeavor.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-r...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
Vegetable Garden or farm
Author: Annie Novak
Published: 2-16-16
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Pages: 256
Genre: Home & Garden
Sub Genre: Crafts & Hobbies;
ISBN: 9781607747086
ASIN: B00XST7VE8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Rooftop Gardening is not a new concept. It has been around over 6000 years; 4000 bc - 600 bc Mesopotamian Ziggurats (rectangular step towers sometimes surrounded by a temple); 490 bc The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Within the last 100 years or so we have the first rooftop garden in 1883 ad, which have evolved into the modern garden co-op Rooftop Gardens of today. Some are even on the rooftops of commercial buildings such as banks, supermarkets and theaters. They are run by private groups and businesses.
The Rooftop Growing Guide tells of the different types of gardens and what a prospective building requires to support them. Keep in mind that a small rooftop garden is at least 5000 square feet a weight of around 50 pounds per square foot. This books is geared to the commercial use of rooftop gardens rather than the private individual, but can still be used for that purpose as well.
Planter types, plant varieties, pest control etc. are discussed as are weather planning. There is an expense to start up this type of garden, but the rewards are thrilling. I chose this book because the idea of city dwellers could have beautiful gardens at the fingertips outside of city parks intrigued me. I found it informative and interesting. If you live in the city and are wanting to make a green place for yourself or with others then The Rooftop Garden Guide is an absolute must. It is worth its weight in gold to guide you in your new endeavor.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-r...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
May 18, 2016
I was excited to see this book offered for review. I couldn't wait till I received it!
And, I was not disappointed.
This is a very interesting topic to me. I'm not planning on
a rooftop garden but the information I think can be used when planning a container garden or patio garden.
From the inside cover . . .
If you'd like to grow your own food but don't think you have the space look up!
. . . Annie Novak's passion shines as she draws on her experience as a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers and trees. The book includes
interviews, expert essays and farm and garden profiles from across the country . . .
And there are lots of pictures!
What a gorgeous view
I enjoyed looking at the different profiles of different gardens. Many of the gardens featured were from restaurants.
There are lots of charts and how to's providing information and making it simple to plant a garen.
Here are a few comments from chefs and other authors
Praise for The Rooftop Growing Guide: “[A] blueprint to reimagine thousands of underutilized acres in urban environments.” — Will Allen, MacArthur fellow and author of The Good Food Revolution “
Annie Novak explores every imaginable detail of how to turn any community’s acres of unused rooftops into deliciously productive gardens.” — Chef Rick Bayless, chef/owner of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO Chicago “
[F]illed with essential information about how to grow food on the alien plains of building tops.” — Joan Gussow, professor and author of This Organic Life
For more information about the author . . .
Authors Blog (click here), Authors Facebook (click here)
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in vegetable gardening.
Check out this 5 star book!
And, I was not disappointed.
This is a very interesting topic to me. I'm not planning on
a rooftop garden but the information I think can be used when planning a container garden or patio garden.
From the inside cover . . .
If you'd like to grow your own food but don't think you have the space look up!
. . . Annie Novak's passion shines as she draws on her experience as a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers and trees. The book includes
interviews, expert essays and farm and garden profiles from across the country . . .
And there are lots of pictures!
What a gorgeous view
I enjoyed looking at the different profiles of different gardens. Many of the gardens featured were from restaurants.
There are lots of charts and how to's providing information and making it simple to plant a garen.
Here are a few comments from chefs and other authors
Praise for The Rooftop Growing Guide: “[A] blueprint to reimagine thousands of underutilized acres in urban environments.” — Will Allen, MacArthur fellow and author of The Good Food Revolution “
Annie Novak explores every imaginable detail of how to turn any community’s acres of unused rooftops into deliciously productive gardens.” — Chef Rick Bayless, chef/owner of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO Chicago “
[F]illed with essential information about how to grow food on the alien plains of building tops.” — Joan Gussow, professor and author of This Organic Life
For more information about the author . . .
Authors Blog (click here), Authors Facebook (click here)
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in vegetable gardening.
Check out this 5 star book!
June 26, 2017
The Rooftop Growing Guide is a book about... you guessed it - growing gardens for those who are green-space challenged. If you are interested in planting a garden in a non-traditional space, this book is for you, giving you full details for what type you should plant depending on your space, what to grow, what kind of soil you need and how to deal with irrigation, balancing pH and growing in direct sunlight.
This book is split up into sections that follow the logical process of planning a garden. Novak discusses why people plant gardens on rooftops, how to get yourself (and all your supplies) to your roof and whether to use containers, greenhouses or plant directly onto a green roof. She goes into depth the different kinds of soil needed for different plants as well as how to start seeds and deal with pests and plant diseases.
What I love about Annie Novak's approach to this book is that she doesn't limit her subject to gardening only. She also briefly discusses the possibility of beekeeping or the raising of farm animals such as chickens in a rooftop garden as well as growing larger species of plants like shrubs and trees.
There are beautiful color photos of rooftop gardens all over the city and lots of graphs for things like crop rotation and temperatures needed to grow via hydroponics. Recipes for homemade pest deterrents are included. Novak has thought of everything you need to know in order to plan, plant and harvest from your rooftop garden.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening. Even if you don't plan to garden on your roof, you can still use the principles and ideas shared in this book for your container garden or backyard plot.
This book is split up into sections that follow the logical process of planning a garden. Novak discusses why people plant gardens on rooftops, how to get yourself (and all your supplies) to your roof and whether to use containers, greenhouses or plant directly onto a green roof. She goes into depth the different kinds of soil needed for different plants as well as how to start seeds and deal with pests and plant diseases.
What I love about Annie Novak's approach to this book is that she doesn't limit her subject to gardening only. She also briefly discusses the possibility of beekeeping or the raising of farm animals such as chickens in a rooftop garden as well as growing larger species of plants like shrubs and trees.
There are beautiful color photos of rooftop gardens all over the city and lots of graphs for things like crop rotation and temperatures needed to grow via hydroponics. Recipes for homemade pest deterrents are included. Novak has thought of everything you need to know in order to plan, plant and harvest from your rooftop garden.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening. Even if you don't plan to garden on your roof, you can still use the principles and ideas shared in this book for your container garden or backyard plot.
March 25, 2016
About the Book:
If you’d like to grow your own food but don’t think you have the space, look up! In urban and suburban areas across the country, farms and gardens are growing atop the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. In this accessible guide, author Annie Novak’s passion shines as she draws on her experience as a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers, and trees. The book also includes interviews, expert essays, and farm and garden profiles from across the country, so you’ll find advice that works no matter where you live. Featuring the brass tacks on green roofs, container gardening, hydroponics, greenhouse growing, crop planning, pest management, harvesting tips, and more, The Rooftop Growing Guide will have you reimagining the possibilities of your own skyline.
My Review:
Gardening season is upon us and everyone in our neck of the woods is setting about their time trying to get everything prepared. From turning over your dirt and soil to buying seeds and seedlings it can be equally exciting as well as daunting. Especially for those of us that have very little space, we have to get very creative.
Well we all have a rooftop or know of one that we can use. The author of The Rooftop Growing Guide, Annie Novak knows your concerns and has decided to help us by offering tips and ideas as well as suggestions to get that fresh garden produce producing in no time. She gives you details starting from the type of soil to use to which plants work the best. A great guide for beginners! Now everyone no matter your circumstance or situation you can also get fresh vegetables.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
If you’d like to grow your own food but don’t think you have the space, look up! In urban and suburban areas across the country, farms and gardens are growing atop the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. In this accessible guide, author Annie Novak’s passion shines as she draws on her experience as a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers, and trees. The book also includes interviews, expert essays, and farm and garden profiles from across the country, so you’ll find advice that works no matter where you live. Featuring the brass tacks on green roofs, container gardening, hydroponics, greenhouse growing, crop planning, pest management, harvesting tips, and more, The Rooftop Growing Guide will have you reimagining the possibilities of your own skyline.
My Review:
Gardening season is upon us and everyone in our neck of the woods is setting about their time trying to get everything prepared. From turning over your dirt and soil to buying seeds and seedlings it can be equally exciting as well as daunting. Especially for those of us that have very little space, we have to get very creative.
Well we all have a rooftop or know of one that we can use. The author of The Rooftop Growing Guide, Annie Novak knows your concerns and has decided to help us by offering tips and ideas as well as suggestions to get that fresh garden produce producing in no time. She gives you details starting from the type of soil to use to which plants work the best. A great guide for beginners! Now everyone no matter your circumstance or situation you can also get fresh vegetables.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
February 17, 2016
This book is ideal if you want to do some serious gardening and you are a city dweller. There is much info and advice on checking city codes, soils, containers and pest control. There are diagrams and easy to follow instructions to make a cold frame, wind screen, garden plans and more. I am in a rural area so I didn’t need this book for rooftop gardening but I needed to learn about pest control, garden planning and planting, maintaining healthy soil and the scoop on containers.
There is an entire section on garden containers and the pros and cons for each sort. Metal is durable, plastic milk crates work if you line them, recycled materials can include old rubber boots or barrels. Lots of ideas here.
There is also an interesting bit about vertical gardening in containers. Let it grow upwards and save some room. Also of interest is how to raise chickens and rabbits on the rooftop. I would have never thought of that. The part about bee hives is very interesting….something I don’t think I have the temperament for…plus I am scared to be stung. You certainly need pollinators if you are growing flowering vegetables, fruits or trees.
Great book with lots of photos and illustrations. This isn’t necessarily for the beginning gardener but all is explained in ways you can absorb easily.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books program. All opinions and thoughts are mine, nice and otherwise :-)
There is an entire section on garden containers and the pros and cons for each sort. Metal is durable, plastic milk crates work if you line them, recycled materials can include old rubber boots or barrels. Lots of ideas here.
There is also an interesting bit about vertical gardening in containers. Let it grow upwards and save some room. Also of interest is how to raise chickens and rabbits on the rooftop. I would have never thought of that. The part about bee hives is very interesting….something I don’t think I have the temperament for…plus I am scared to be stung. You certainly need pollinators if you are growing flowering vegetables, fruits or trees.
Great book with lots of photos and illustrations. This isn’t necessarily for the beginning gardener but all is explained in ways you can absorb easily.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books program. All opinions and thoughts are mine, nice and otherwise :-)
May 2, 2016
I have been trying to get a garden together for awhile now. Mainly I have just been lazy and have not done the proper research to see what I can grow in the space that I have. Basically, I need to have a container garden and so that can be a little more limiting. When I saw The Rooftop Growing Guide, I thought....this is going to be perfect for me! I was right!
Now, don't let the title of the book fool you. This book is so much more than just rooftop growing. There is an entire section dedicated to container growing as well! Plus it gives you all kinds of tips and information on different types of containers and materials used for them. It talks about all different varieties of plants and where and when they thrive. You also learn about weather planning, pest control, soil choices, layouts for the garden, and the tools you need to be successful.
I would say that this isn't just a beginners guide and that everyone could learn something from this book. Not to mention that there are gorgeous pictures in it! Yup, it is safe to say that I am ready to give this gardening thing a real try this spring!!!
Add this book to your Goodreads list.
Learn more about The Rooftop Growing Guide.
Learn more about the author, Annie Novak.
I received a copy of The Rooftop Growing Guide from Blogging for Books for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.
Now, don't let the title of the book fool you. This book is so much more than just rooftop growing. There is an entire section dedicated to container growing as well! Plus it gives you all kinds of tips and information on different types of containers and materials used for them. It talks about all different varieties of plants and where and when they thrive. You also learn about weather planning, pest control, soil choices, layouts for the garden, and the tools you need to be successful.
I would say that this isn't just a beginners guide and that everyone could learn something from this book. Not to mention that there are gorgeous pictures in it! Yup, it is safe to say that I am ready to give this gardening thing a real try this spring!!!
Add this book to your Goodreads list.
Learn more about The Rooftop Growing Guide.
Learn more about the author, Annie Novak.
I received a copy of The Rooftop Growing Guide from Blogging for Books for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.
May 20, 2016
Wow. There is no simple, shortcut way to describe the wealth of information found in The Rooftop Garden: How to Transform Your Roof Into a Vegetable Garden or Farm by Annie Novak without creating an outline with a plethora of bullet points. Text, charts, diagrams, sketches, interviews, tips from other professionals…greenhouse, potted, and complete rooftop farming…construction, tools, legal & safety warnings, business tips…water, soil, seeds, pest control…and so, so much more! The photography is not only helpful, but also inspiring for a number of contexts—large-scale rooftop farms with serious soil depth to small potted spaces. Informative and easily navigable for when working on projects, The Rooftop Garden is useful as both an educational tool and reliable ongoing resource. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in using any existing space for some edible growth, but also for those who have space and haven’t even thought about it—the effort appears to be worth it on a number of fronts!
For my fellow Coloradans in the Denver-metro area with balconies and/or flat roofs not already covered in solar panels, this is definitely something to look into, pending any legislative barriers like our laws against collecting rainwater. Seriously, check it out!
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
For my fellow Coloradans in the Denver-metro area with balconies and/or flat roofs not already covered in solar panels, this is definitely something to look into, pending any legislative barriers like our laws against collecting rainwater. Seriously, check it out!
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
Read
February 19, 2016This is definitely not a book for beginner gardeners. I like that the book does give very detailed and step by step things to do to achieve the rooftop garden of your dreams. I think time-wise and money-wise it would be difficult to go from zero to one hundred in one season of growing. This is, for me anyways, a taking baby steps kind of endeavor.
Currently, I do not have a rooftop set up for gardening. I am definitely looking into it as it would alleviate the daily attacks I receive from the hungry rabbits and deer in my yard. It would not stop the birds from attacking but deer and rabbits are relentless. Only the best of fences can hold them off. This book would be helpful getting me started with growing things in pots and taking the steps I need to have full rooftop potential.
This book had detailed information of knowing what is possible for where you live, planning the layout, and getting the correct soils, containers, and things needed to make your garden a success.
This book has many nuggets of wisdom jam-packed inside. I would encourage multiple readings of this book and taking things little by little to get to the rooftop Garden of Eden you are wishing for.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All opinions expressed here are my own and unbiased.
Currently, I do not have a rooftop set up for gardening. I am definitely looking into it as it would alleviate the daily attacks I receive from the hungry rabbits and deer in my yard. It would not stop the birds from attacking but deer and rabbits are relentless. Only the best of fences can hold them off. This book would be helpful getting me started with growing things in pots and taking the steps I need to have full rooftop potential.
This book had detailed information of knowing what is possible for where you live, planning the layout, and getting the correct soils, containers, and things needed to make your garden a success.
This book has many nuggets of wisdom jam-packed inside. I would encourage multiple readings of this book and taking things little by little to get to the rooftop Garden of Eden you are wishing for.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All opinions expressed here are my own and unbiased.
February 24, 2016
This book is the perfect book for anyone considering creating a rooftop garden. It has everything that you need to know in order to create your own roof top garden. It even has step by step instructions which is very nice. The best part is you do not need any prior experience in gardening or building in order to create your own rooftop garden. This book would be good for professional and novices alike as it has everything you need to know without any technical jargon to confuse you.
Full Review: http://hubpages.com/food/Cookbooks-fo...
***I was sent this product for free for test and review purposes for only my honest and unbiased review; I was given no payment or any form of compensation for this review. These views are 100% my own and were not influenced by anything, but the product itself.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Full Review: http://hubpages.com/food/Cookbooks-fo...
***I was sent this product for free for test and review purposes for only my honest and unbiased review; I was given no payment or any form of compensation for this review. These views are 100% my own and were not influenced by anything, but the product itself.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
March 26, 2016
Annie Novak does not miss a beat in her "The Rooftop Growing Guide -". There is numerous reasons outside of lack of space that a gardener may want to transform their roof into a small farm. Those who live in rural areas, as myself, would be thrilled not to have to contend with the many creatures on the ground - namely moles, rabbits and deer. Thus I was excited to read this book and gain some new in sight.
The author suggests to the reader to '"Grow with the Pro's"' stressing to use her book along with the internet to receive latest updates and tips. This book is a wonderful collaboration of experiences from your common gardener along with professional gardeners as well. It is packed with information on everything you need to know from getting a permit to setting up a plan. It is a true asset for all who want to embark on this adventure. I just can't say enough good things about it.
I was given the honor of reading for Blogging for Books in exchange for my views.
The author suggests to the reader to '"Grow with the Pro's"' stressing to use her book along with the internet to receive latest updates and tips. This book is a wonderful collaboration of experiences from your common gardener along with professional gardeners as well. It is packed with information on everything you need to know from getting a permit to setting up a plan. It is a true asset for all who want to embark on this adventure. I just can't say enough good things about it.
I was given the honor of reading for Blogging for Books in exchange for my views.
March 6, 2016
The knowledge and lessons learned go beyond the Eagle street roof farm featured in the book, with many tips about how to do the regular maintenance, be aware of the local authorizations, how to build a subirrigated container, calculate the rooftop sun exposure etc.. It also has a consistent colletion of websites and other references where everyone can find inspiration and advice for his or her rooftop project.
Disclaimer: I was offered the book for review, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Disclaimer: I was offered the book for review, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
February 24, 2016
It is a guide to gardening/container gardening with info tacked on about ceiling loads. While I understand the need for a load bearing ceiling if you're going to be dumping heavy wet soil, trees, etc. on it, that seemed obvious and the rest of the information is attainable elsewhere.
If you're serious about the idea and need the basics outlined as well, then this will be a great help.
If you're serious about the idea and need the basics outlined as well, then this will be a great help.
March 6, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing resource for city dwellers wishing to grow their own food. Rooftop gardening is definitely not a new concept, using containers or creating beds, but this step by step book provides an up to date look at this intensive practice. One for the gardening shelf for sure!
An amazing resource for city dwellers wishing to grow their own food. Rooftop gardening is definitely not a new concept, using containers or creating beds, but this step by step book provides an up to date look at this intensive practice. One for the gardening shelf for sure!
April 18, 2016
I've always done container gardening or traditional gardening, and never paid much attention to unused urban spaces. This book gives good information about what to look for in prepping these spaces, including being aware of relevant legal codes and structural issues. Definitely a useful reference book.
May 1, 2016
Best book on rooftop gardening I've read. Very informative.
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