In Bhubaneswar, Jayanti Sahoo has turned her 350 sq ft rooftop into a blooming garden that provides a constant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, all grown organically, without a trace of chemicals.

“It brings me immense mental peace and contentment,” she says. “I raise these trees like my children.” Her home, spread over 1,500 sq ft, has become a lavish ecosystem of edible and ornamental plants, proving that even limited urban space can offer abundance.

Here is how you can follow her footsteps and create a teeming rooftop garden that beats the summer heat while feeding your family.

Step-by-step: How to build a rooftop garden like Jayanti Sahoo

1. Choose the right spot and consider structural safety

Before placing pots and planters, examine your rooftop’s drainage system. Water accumulation can damage the terrace over time, so secure the drainage. Jayanti recommends placing heavier containers directly over beams and walls beneath the terrace floor.

“This will ensure that the weight of trees is balanced and the foundation of the house does not get damaged,” she advises.

Consulting a civil engineer or structural expert can be a good idea before you begin large-scale gardening.

2. Use upcycled fish crates instead of........

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