roof top farm help

comescrashing · #1 02/17/13, 10:35 AM

I need yalls help getting some information on starting a roof top farm or links to articles about this. It might be a legit way I can use my corporate job and make it something awesome. Everything from saved energy cost to best planting practices to chickens and bees. Anything would be helpful.

sunflower-n-ks · #2 02/17/13, 12:22 PM

Have you tried googling the subject? I have seen some great sites that grow plants on roof tops. Some used old barrels cut in half or other containers to hold the soil. Use light weight soil, etc.

Maura · #3 02/17/13, 12:29 PM

New York City has been promoting roof top gardens. Do a search on NYC and rooftop gardens.

Raven12 · #4 02/17/13, 12:41 PM

Also research the weight of what the roof will hold. You may have to reinforce the rooftop.

The chickens and bees may be a zoning issue. Check that out as well.

I have also seen these gardens online in Chicago.

Johnny Dolittle · #5 02/17/13, 12:46 PM

Most commercial buildings have a load rating including for the roof if it is flat

Hydroponics is the way to go IMO .... the only way to go.

Shawn · #6 02/17/13, 01:02 PM

One of my clients is a community group in Chicago and they built the building to have a roof top garden. Planted in rows of soils is food that is used in the kitchen down stairs. They also have a area they call "The Farm" across the street when they have used vacant lots to grow more with row cover.

Do a search online. This was a big pet project of the former Mayor Daly of Chicago.

I think is is a great idea when you can get your corporation to do more.

uncle Will in In. · #7 02/17/13, 01:39 PM

At least you wouldn't have to worry about the coyotes getting into your chickens. Free ranging them might be risky. Go for it. Unk

Raven12 · #8 02/17/13, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle Will in In.

At least you wouldn't have to worry about the coyotes getting into your chickens. Free ranging them might be risky. Go for it. Unk

WKRP turkey lol....

I apologize for the drift.

comescrashing · #9 02/18/13, 06:43 AM

Thanks for the help. I did google it but all I got so far was there sites but not a whole lot of specific info. I figure we could at least save 20% per building with a living roof and then a garden and at least bee hives would add an income possibly, would have to factorin labor, ins and all that.

motdaugrnds · #10 02/18/13, 08:34 AM

That is a wonderful way to help your area. Hope you find a profitable way to set it up.